New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor and the team’s 2025 first-round pick, Abdul Carter, have a lot in common. They were both dominant linebackers at the collegiate level and selected high in the draft by Giants teams that were desperate for a shot in the arm.

So far, that’s where the comparison ends. Taylor is considered the greatest linebacker in league history, if not its signature defensive player, while Carter is struggling at the pro level both on and off the field.

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If you recall, Carter was so highly touted, there was a moment of insanity where it was suggested that Carter wear Taylor’s iconic No. 56 jersey, or even Phil Simms’ No. 11, both of which are retired by the team.

No, it’s not even a debate. Giant fans are wondering if Carter is even going to live up to a fraction of what he was projected to be. Through 13 games, he has just 1.5 sacks, and, although he’s made a slight impact, his approach to NFL life and professionalism needs attending to.

Carter has been fined and suspended several times due to disciplinary issues, most of which are of the tardiness variety, and his teammates and fans are questioning whether the Giants made a mistake in bringing him in.

In a recent interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post, Taylor had some advice for this year’s third-overall pick in the NFL draft out of Penn State.

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“Wake up,” LT tells The Post. “This is what you worked for, this is where you want to be, so now you’re there… Let’s wake up.”

“Don’t let your teammates down over bulls–t!” Taylor continued. “If you can’t tell your coach what’s going on and why you can’t be at practice, then it’s bulls–t.”

Ask anyone who has played in the NFL, and they will tell you it is a league of rules and a team-first business. Everyone is expected to follow the rules and respect each other. You know, like in every other walk of life.

“No one respected the team more than I did as a rookie,” said Taylor. “Harry Carson, Brad Van Pelt, Brian Kelley. Those guys were my mentors, and I’m not gonna let them down.”

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And he didn’t. Carter has several veterans who serve as his mentors, including Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, but they appear to be just as frustrated with the rookie as everyone else is.

“Those two guys need to talk to No. 51 and get him straight and say, ‘Hey, you gotta get your priorities right.’ Simple as that. I don’t know what else to say to him. But he’s gotta get his priorities right,” LT said. “There’s no reason not to hustle, there’s no reason not to be at practice, there’s no reason not to play your ass off when you’re out there if you’re trying to make a name for yourself, as I was.”

“If his teammates are having a problem, then you got a problem,” LT went on to say. “If the coaches are having a problem, then you got a problem. You were the third pick in the whole draft. You’re supposed to be better than this.”

Taylor also said that he didn’t want to simply “bash” Carter and offered him some sound advice.

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“He’s just gotta get his stuff together,” said Taylor. “And if he gets his stuff together, New York will love him… You make history on what you do on that field, not off that field.”

We’ll see if this message from the greatest Giant sinks in.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants legend Lawrence Taylor delivers harsh message to Abdul Carter