Abdul Carter has already shown he can talk like a veteran. Now the New York Giants hope he can play like one.
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The rookie linebacker, drafted No. 3 overall in April, delivered his first dose of NFL trash talk Saturday after the preseason "Snoopy Bowl" against the New York Jets. The moment came in the second quarter, when Carter was knocked off balance by a chip block from tight end Stone Smartt. As Carter regained his footing, right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor finished the job by sending him back to the turf.
The NFL's official account posted the clip on social media. Carter responded quickly, showing that he has no plans to stay quiet.
"Might be the only highlight of the Jets all season and we put BTA. weak ass chip ate that mf like bbq," he wrote on X.
might be the only highlight of the Jets all season⬇️ and we put BTA. weak ass chip ate that mf like bbq. https://t.co/vFZld1FmgS
— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) August 17, 2025
It was a fiery reply from the 21-year-old, who impressed in his preseason debut Aug. 9 against Buffalo. According to NextGen Stats, Carter pressured the quarterback on all three of his pass rush attempts in that game. He also earned praise from Jets coaches and players during joint practices earlier in the week.
The Giants drafted Carter for his versatility and ability to disrupt offenses, and they believe he can be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come. Saturday served as a reminder, though, that even the most talented rookies take their lumps.
The Giants and Jets rarely meet in the regular season, but Carter may have added a little spice to the crosstown rivalry with his online commentary. The Jets won their last matchup in 2023, edging the Giants 13-10 in overtime. For Carter, the war of words may only be beginning.
