Former NFL tight end turned analyst/podcaster Rob Gronkowski didn’t mince words when speaking about New York Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter’s request to wear the team’s famed (and retired ) No.

Rob Gronkowski is floored at Abdul Carter’s daring request. The former Penn State pass rusher, whom the Giants took No. 3 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was in pursuit of Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor’s No. 56 jersey to wear for his rookie season. The bold ask rubbed Gronkowski the wrong way.

New York Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter has legitimate superstar potential moving into the future. After the team selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Carter has made waves in the media as he searches for his jersey number at the NFL level.