Rob Gronkowski expressed surprise after learning that New York Giants draft pick Abdul Carter had asked Hall of Fame linebacker Laurence Taylor to wear the iconic No. 56. Carter, selected as the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, sparked conversations about jersey numbers used by notable Pennsylvania players, including both Taylor and Phil Simms.
On a podcast featuring Julian Edelman, Gronkowski remarked, “He was serious about wanting an LT number? I mean, sure, you’re a high draft pick, but LT is a football legend.” He emphasized the challenge of living up to such immense expectations, joking that the best way to honor Taylor was not necessarily to share the number but to focus on his own game.
Interestingly, Edelman humorously suggested that if Bill Belichick were to ask Carter to wear No. 56, that would carry some weight. Gronkowski couldn’t resist doing an impression of the legendary coach during the discussion.
Turning to Carter’s desire for the historic jersey numbers, Gronkowski bluntly told him, “No way. There’s only one LT, and you’re not close to being him. Just focus on your playbook.” Eventually, Carter clarified that simply having his name on a Giants jersey felt like more than enough recognition for him.
In an unrelated note, last season, the Giants made headlines when they retired the number of Ray Flaherty, one of the franchise’s great wide receivers. Flaherty’s family granted permission for the team to honor Malik Nabers, who made his own mark by setting a franchise record for receptions in a single season.
