While Taylor shot down Carter's request, Carter didn't seem to mind the denial. He wore No. 11 at Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) High School and at Penn State, but that number has also been retired by the Giants for some time. Phil Simms wore No. 11 for the Giants from 1979 through 1993 -- his entire 15-year career with the franchise.

Abdul Carter has tackled his first big task in the NFL by choosing a jersey number. After a search that made some headlines, the New York Giants’ first-round pick is wearing No. 51.

The Giants announced Friday that Carter, the No. 3 overall selection in this year's NFL Draft, will wear No. 51 for the team's minicamp this weekend. Previously, Carter had inquired about wearing No. 56, which was retired by the Giants for linebacker Lawrence Taylor. However, the franchise's all-time sack leader (with 142) turned down the request.