As the Giants prepare to kick off their season, rookie pass-rusher Abdul Carter carries the confidence of a seasoned veteran. Selected third overall in the draft, Carter embraces the pressure, asserting a mentality that he is the most formidable player on the field every time he suits up.
Drawing inspiration from Giants legend Lawrence Taylor, Carter admires the Hall of Famer’s relentless energy and effort. “He feels like he’s the baddest player on the field, and I try to steal that,” Carter said. When asked if any single player could block him, he answered with a smile, “Nah, I don’t think so.” This self-assurance is backed by a perfect self-assessment, as he rates his toughness, football intelligence, instincts, and killer instinct a 10 out of 10.
Carter’s on-field philosophy is built on resilience. He defines a “dawg” as someone who maintains composure and intensity regardless of the situation, a standard he expects to see from his team this year. While not a trash-talker by nature, Carter admits he’ll “get activated” if provoked. He believes in the psychological aspect of the game, viewing the mental battle as just as critical as the physical one.
This focus extends to his play-by-play approach. “It’s a four-quarter game,” Carter explained. “Every play is its own play, whether it’s good or bad you gotta move on from it.”
As a rookie, Carter has been a keen observer of the veterans around him. He calls defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence the team’s “anchor” and “best player,” praising his detailed preparation. He points to fellow pass-rusher Brian Burns as the model for how to practice, an elite athlete who outworks everyone. Carter has also been impressed by Kayvon Thibodeaux’s mental growth and dedication in meetings and after practice.
Carter’s drive is deeply personal, rooted in gratitude and the desire to provide for his family. He credits his parents, Tina and Christopher, for his success. His father, a former defensive end himself, has been a particularly powerful influence. After being released from prison for a federal drug conviction when Carter was eight, his father dedicated himself to his son’s life.
“He made it his goal just to make sure he’s in my life teaching me how to be a man, keeping me away from bad distractions,” Carter shared. “Growing up in Philly, it’s a lot of things that you can get into that’s not good… Once he got out, once I met him, we connected right away.”
Looking ahead to his first season, Carter is focused on team success above all else. “I just want to win,” he stated. “I feel like with team success comes individual recognition.” His immediate target is the Commanders in Week 1, embodying his one-week-at-a-time mentality. He also aims to forge his own legacy with the No. 51 jersey.
Ready for the bright lights of the New York stage, Carter plans to soak in the moment before his debut, a reward for a journey he didn’t make alone. His message to the fans is one of resolve and ambition.
“I’m just writing my story, I’m just getting started,” he said. “I’m gonna leave my own legacy.”
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