Phil Simms recently shared his thoughts on Abdul Carter wearing his retired No. 11 for the Giants. He said he’d be fine with it, but his family disagreed.
In an interview with Gary Myers, Simms explained that he was “outvoted by his family” on the matter. He believes that when a team retires a number, it’s a big honor that should be respected. Allowing a new player to wear it could diminish that special recognition.
Simms’s retired jersey symbolizes his impact on the team. As he noted, this isn’t just his decision; family opinions can play a significant role. Former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor echoed this sentiment, advising Carter to forge his own path with a different number.
After all, a retired number is an important badge of honor. If Carter has a standout career, will there be a moment to honor both him and Simms together? It raises the question: Should a number remain unique to its legend?
What’s essential here is legacy. Carter will need to choose another number, one that carries no weight at the moment. If he excels, that number could eventually hold great significance as well. It’s a chance to create his own narrative and legacy in the NFL.
Looking back, every retired number tells a story. For example, the New York Yankees have retired numerous numbers, each representing incredible careers. In contrast, when players like Derek Jeter retired No. 2, it ensured that his contributions were separately honored and remembered. This kind of clarity maintains the honor attached to retiring jerseys.
Statistics support the idea of individual recognition: a survey showed that 75% of fans believe retired numbers should stay untouched. By protecting these legacies, teams preserve the rich history of their franchises.
Carter now has the opportunity to make his mark. By choosing a new number, he can establish his own identity, making it as memorable as the legends who came before him.