New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter has quickly taken notice. Drafted to the Giants less than a month ago, Carter is starting to see just how important sports are in the New York City area. In fact, Carter recently delivered a noteworthy statement ahead of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

As you’ll recall, Carter — perhaps because of youthful naivete — previously angled for Nos. 11 and 56, which are retired by the Giants for legends Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor (probably the NFL’s best defensive player ever). Simms and Taylor both wisely said no.

Giants first-round draft pick Abdul Carter has chosen to wear No. 51 for his rookie season after flirting with the possibilities of donning the retired numbers of legends Lawrence Taylor (56) and Phil Simms (11).