A bold move from a rising star on the New York Giants roster is sparking backlash — and plenty of debate. The 2025 No. 3 overall pick made the unexpected decision to change his jersey number ahead of the new season, a switch that didn’t sit well with a portion of the fanbase. For many supporters, numbers carry meaning — history, identity, even superstition — making any change feel bigger than it seems. While some fans are open to the fresh start, others have taken to social media to question the timing and reasoning behind the move, with criticism quickly gaining traction. Inside the locker room, however, the perspective may be very different, as players often view these decisions as part of evolving roles and personal branding. As reactions continue to pour in, the conversation is only getting louder. But one detail behind the number change is what’s really fueling the outrage. And it might explain why this seemingly simple decision has hit such a nerve.
ABDUL CARTER has taken a controversial new shirt number with the New York Giants, leaving fans fuming.
The linebacker has picked Russell Wilson‘s old jersey less than two weeks after he was put up for free agency.

The New York Giants have a new No3 after Abdul Carter finally got a jersey he wanted

The 2025 third overall draft pick replaces Russell Wilson’s top
NFL veteran Wilson only signed a one-year contract with the Giants last year and has not been retained.
The move to give Carter, 22, his number has not gone down well with supporters.
Penn State graduate Carter was the No3 overall pick from the NFL draft in 2025 and played 17 games last season.
He gives up his No51 top having initially wanted No56 in the first place.
The Giants denied the request to unretire Lawrence Taylor’s iconic number.
He then went for No11 but did not get it from Phil Simms
Carter finally has a jersey he wants with the Giants confirming the news, writing, “It’s official” over a pic of him celebrating in the top.
But fans are not as big on the move.
One replied on X saying: “Casually handing Russell Wilson’s jersey number over to a second-year edge rusher the literal second he hits free agency is an unmatched level of disrespect.
“The Giants are operating with absolutely zero chill right now.”
Another added: “The NFL allowing all these positions to wear basically any number is the worse thing to happen to this league.
“I’d rather Christmas Day Quadruple Headers Played in France than to keep doing this with jersey numbers.
“I like my defensive ends wearing a number in the 90s sorry.”
A third replied: “51 was elite ngl this -1000 aura”.
Team-mate Malik Nabers replied to the post on Instagram, laughing: “U pic sum weird numbers bro”.