Former Nittany Lion sees chance to follow in LT’s footsteps, create dominant defensive front in New York
Moments after being selected third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants , edge defender Abdul Carter made his mindset clear: “I’m all New York now. Philly is in the past.”
The former Penn State standout was emotional about the pick and called it “surreal.” “I’m at a loss for words,” Carter said. “I’m just really excited, really blessed. I just want to celebrate this moment with my family.”
Carter said he had a gut feeling the Giants would call his name. “That’s what my gut told me. That’s what my family was thinking,” he said. “Just meeting with New York, talking with them—it just felt right.”
He also sees the opportunity to become part of a storied defensive tradition. “LT the G.O.A.T., somebody I look up to, somebody I study,” Carter said, referring to Giants legend Lawrence Taylor. “Just want to follow in his footsteps, just bring dominance back to New York.”
The Giants envision Carter joining forces with stars like Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence. “We’re going to be dominant,” Carter said. “Once we get on the field together, just wreak havoc.”
