Abdul Carter is making changes heading into his second NFL season. The Giants linebacker wants a fresh start, and apparently, that begins with what’s on his back.
Carter revealed on social media that he’s ditching No. 51 for No. 3 when the 2026 campaign kicks off. The announcement came after he dropped a hint on a Giants countdown post, writing that a new number was on the way.
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“For the amount of pressures he has,” one fan said.
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“That dude HATED his number last year,” another fan said.
“No. 3 on a defense that was bottom 5. Bold move. Let’s see if the number works better than the scheme did,” a fan said.
Here are some more reactions from fans.
“New number, same pressure—No. 3 about to become a problem for quarterbacks,” one fan said.
“Still not gonna be able to help the Giants,” another fan said.
“He can update his autograph now,” one fan said.
The switch marks Carter’s fourth jersey number across his football career. He rocked No. 22 in high school at La Salle College outside Philadelphia, then moved to No. 11 at Penn State before landing on No. 51 as a rookie with New York.
Malik Nabers weighs in on Abdul Carter’s number change
Abdul Carter’s Giants teammate didn’t hold back when the news dropped. Malik Nabers hopped into the comments on Carter’s Instagram post with his own take on the decision.
“U pic sum weird numbers bro,” Nabers wrote, adding a pair of crying-laughing emojis to drive home his point.
Abdul Carter takes over a number previously worn by Russell Wilson, who hit free agency after last season. The linebacker finished his rookie year with 43 tackles and four sacks in 17 appearances. His 23 quarterback hits topped all first-year players and broke a Giants rookie record. Whether No. 3 brings better results remains to be seen when New York opens camp under new coach John Harbaugh.
Edited by nagpaltusharn25
