Slowly but surely, Penn State is becoming a place for defensive legends. Some serious heavyweights have worn the jersey number 11, also known as ‘Stix’. From the three-time Pro Bowler LaVar Arrington in the late ’90s to Micah Parsons just a few years ago and now the recently drafted DE Abdul Carter, that number has become iconic. Just looking at the recent past, Parsons is already the 7th all-time sacks leader for the Cowboys, with 52.5 sacks in just 4 years. And Carter? He stepped up big time in college football, getting drafted in the first round (56th overall) by the Giants.

But it’s Carter’s recent request that has really shaken things up in the NFL world. The defensive end asked to wear jersey number 56, which was famously worn by linebacker Lawrence Taylor—two-time Super Bowl champ and Pro Football Hall of Famer. LT turned down the request, telling Carter to choose a new number and create his own legacy. Of course, some analysts have started criticizing the Penn State player for asking in the first place.

On the April 27 episode of Nightcap, Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson discussed this whole situation with NBA Champion Antoine Walker. When talking about retired jersey numbers across sports, Walker said, “I respect that LT didn’t give his number up. Those guys have earned that right.” And honestly, that’s a solid point. But Carter wasn’t having it, and he fired back.

He shared the tweet on X and wrote, “I wore #11!!! I have filled BIG SHOES before. If you know football yk who also wore the ST1X. Look at the LEGACY of ST1X . I came to PSU and not only lived up to that number, but made it even more legendary. That’s how I see it. I shot, if he says no, cool, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take🤷🏾‍♂️.” He is angry.

During the same episode, even Sharpe praised Lawrence Taylor for being one of the 2 players who won an MVP as a defensive player in 1986, Alan Page being the first in 1971. That’s a mean achievement. Ochocinco dropped some jewels of wisdom, claiming that Abdul Carter should avoid the extra pressure that comes with wearing such historic numbers. These numbers don’t give “room for error” to the athletes.

However, the Penn State DE was convinced. He added, “But I spoke to LT on the phone yesterday! Chill dude. Dope speaking to the 🐐And know for certain, 56 or not I will build my own legacy. InshaAllah.” The topic has become a hot one at the Giants since he demanded the historic number.

Abdul Carter wants the Giants to change history

Just last year, the family of 1934 Trophy winner Ray Flaherty gave permission to the Jets management to unretire the jersey number 1. And they gave it to the WR Malik Nabers. Abdul Carter must have that incident in his mind when he told Parsons that he wanted jersey number 56.

The legend’s denial did not faze Abdul Carter. He took the rejection positively in his favor and added, “The worst thing he could say was NO!! My stance doesn’t change, LT is the GOAT, nothing but respect… This is just gonna make me work even harder!! I love it.” However, the Giants’ management is silent.

They are yet to decide on the jersey number. He spent the entire time between the NFL combine and draft trying to raise his stock. It’s time now to walk the talk. He will get support from the veteran QB, Russell Wilson. Will the franchise find a middle path? It remains to be seen.