The Stephen A. Smith Show: Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Giants Rookie LB Abdul Carter Asks for LT's Number, Now Phil Simms"

Episode Release Date: May 7, 2025
Podcast: The Stephen A. Smith Show
Host: Stephen A. Smith
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into a controversial topic swirling around New York Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter. The discussion centers on Carter's unprecedented request to wear the retired jersey numbers of two Giants legends: Lawrence Taylor (LT) and Phil Sims. Smith provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation, exploring the implications for Carter's career and the Giants' legacy.

Abdul Carter's Jersey Number Requests

Request for Lawrence Taylor's Number

At the outset, Stephen A. Smith addresses Abdul Carter's bold move to seek permission from NFL icon Lawrence Taylor to wear his retired number 56. Drafted third overall by the Giants, Carter's ambition to don LT's jersey has sparked significant debate.

• Stephen A. Smith: "Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, who evidently has no shame in asking NFL legends for their jersey number." (01:11)

Carter publicly tweeted his admiration and respect for LT despite receiving a firm rejection.

• Carter's Tweet: "The worst thing I could say was no, my stance don't change. LT is the goat. Nothing but respect. This just gonna make me work even harder. I love it." (01:30)

Rejection and Carter's Response

Lawrence Taylor promptly denied the request, urging Carter to choose a different number.

• Lawrence Taylor: "Get another number." (01:15)

Undeterred, Carter shifted his focus to number 11, previously worn by Penn State quarterback Phil Sims, also retired by the Giants. However, this request met the same fate.

• Carter's Tweet: "Damn. At this point I'm gonna be out there with just my last name on my jersey. No number jk jk jk. It's all love. Just want to play football." (02:00)

Phil Sims, while initially open to the idea, was ultimately overruled by his family, leading to another rejection of Carter's request.

Stephen A. Smith's Analysis and Critique

Smith does not hold back in his critique of Carter's actions, offering a nuanced perspective on the respect and legacy associated with retired numbers.

Respect for Legacies

• Smith: "Imagine you yourself have that kind of career spanning 15 to 20 years and a rookie who's never played a game calls you after all of those years of greatness and service which warranted your number being retired and raised to the rafters of a stadium." (03:00)

He emphasizes the significance of retired numbers, which honor players who have made exceptional contributions to the team and the sport.

Questioning Carter's Intentions

Smith challenges Carter's motives, suggesting that his actions may stem more from personal ambition than genuine respect.

• Smith: "If somebody came and asked you to have the number lowered from the rafters just so they could wear it when they've never played the game after it took you an entire career to earn that number being retired in your name. That's all I'm saying." (04:15)

He urges Carter to reflect on the traditions and respect that come with wearing a retired number, highlighting the importance of earning such an honor through dedication and achievement.

Broader Implications for the Giants

Smith also touches on the broader implications for the Giants organization, questioning how such requests might affect team culture and the honoring of its history.

• Smith: "It's just not [the National Football League]." (05:00)

He underscores the distinction between collegiate and professional recognitions, reminding Carter of the different standards and expectations at the NFL level.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the discussion by reiterating the importance of respecting team legacies and the traditions that retired numbers represent. While acknowledging Carter's talent and potential, Smith emphasizes that honors such as retired jerseys are earned through sustained excellence and contribution to the team’s legacy.

• Smith: "Get your own number, make your own way and then get that number retired and see how you would feel if somebody came and asked you to have the number lowered from the rafters so they could wear it." (05:20)

Smith's candid and passionate commentary provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Abdul Carter's requests, balancing respect for emerging talent with the preservation of team heritage.

Notable Quotes

• Abdul Carter: "The worst thing I could say was no, my stance don't change. LT is the goat. Nothing but respect. This just gonna make me work even harder. I love it." (01:30)

• Lawrence Taylor: "Get another number." (01:15)

• Stephen A. Smith: "Imagine you yourself have that kind of career spanning 15 to 20 years and a rookie who's never played a game calls you after all of those years of greatness and service which warranted your number being retired and raised to the rafters of a stadium." (03:00)

• Stephen A. Smith: "Get your own number, make your own way and then get that number retired and see how you would feel if somebody came and asked you to have the number lowered from the rafters so they could wear it." (05:20)

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show offers a thought-provoking exploration of the balance between honoring sports legends and nurturing new talent. Smith's articulate and impassioned analysis provides valuable insights into the responsibilities that come with legacy and the respect required to maintain the integrity of team traditions.

For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the dynamics between emerging players and established legacies in the NFL, Stephen A. Smith delivers a compelling narrative that challenges both players and fans to reflect on what it truly means to honor a legend's legacy.