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.

New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter is focused on being where his feet are: "Taking everything one day at a time."