Colin Cowherd blasts PSU's Abdul Carter for asking Lawrence Taylor for retired jersey: 'lack of awareness'

The Giants had a memorable first round in the NFL Draft just over a week ago. New York made a surprise trade late in the first round to secure their quarterback of the future, Jaxson Dart. Their first pick of the draft was Penn State standout Abdul Carter.

Carter has faced heavy criticism after making headlines for a bold move: asking Giants legend Lawrence Taylor for his retired jersey number. No one quite knows what Carter was thinking, but the request quickly made waves throughout the sports world. Taylor wasted no time shutting it down.

“Get another number," Taylor said. "I don't care if it's double zero, and then make it famous."

NFL legend Rob Gronkowski was even more outspoken. He backed up Taylor and took a shot at Carter for the request.

“Was he serious, asking for LT’s number? Yeah, you were a high draft pick, but LT is an absolute legend. The best to do it, one of the best defenders of all time… like, you gotta prove yourself. That’s crazy just asking for LT’s number and I’m glad that LT shut him down like that,” Gronkowski said.

Carter was also denied by Giants great Phil Simms. Then, on Monday, Colin Cowherd became the latest sports personality to criticize Carter. While his take echoed Taylor’s sentiment, Cowherd focused more on Carter’s lack of awareness.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

“Young people, row your own boat, create your legacy, don't be asking for retired guys' jerseys. ... Just asking is a lack of self-awareness,” Cowherd said on air.

Carter is taking heat from all angles before even playing a single snap of professional football. While he’s still far from securing a jersey number of his own, one thing is certain—for now, he’ll have to shoulder the criticism from nearly every corner of the sports world.