New York Giants rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter, the third overall pick from Penn State, entered the 2025 NFL season with sky-high expectations but stumbled hard — plagued by chronic attendance woes that drew fines under ex-coach Brian Daboll and benchings from interim Mike Kafka.
In a 33-15 drubbing by the New England Patriots, Carter sat out the first quarter after missing a team obligation, echoing a prior benching for ditching a walkthrough to chase red-light therapy.
Advertisement
Teammate Dexter Lawrence didn’t mince words: “Just grow up, really — this young stuff can’t happen.”
Even Giants legend Lawrence Taylor piled on, urging, “Wake up… Don’t let your teammates down over bulls–t!” — a stark reminder of the NFL’s team-first ethos
Yet, amid the 2-11 skid, Carter’s response signals redemption. He vowed to engage in self-reflection during the bye week.
“Come back stronger,” he said. “Finish the last four weeks strong.”
Carter also said he strives to earn back the respect of the locker room veterans, including Lawrence, and thus far, he has stayed true to his word.
Advertisement
Defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen, who’s mentored him closest, lauds the shift.
“Obviously, Abdul, I think, would like to have those moments back and wish they didn’t happen,” he said. “His response, quite honestly, has been incredible after both of those moments. I mean, he’s taken ownership publicly, in the building with his teammates and coaches.”
Bullen emphasizes process over past slips.
“And then, honestly, just in terms of, like, pattern behavior, he’s doing more. He’s watching more film. He’s coming in earlier and staying later,” he said. “So the response is what I focus on. Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody needs to learn the NFL process, which he’s learning right now. But his response to those moments has been awesome. It’s been pro-like.”
Advertisement
With just 1.5 sacks in 13 games, Carter’s urgency must spike — applying classroom nuggets “with urgency” on the field, as Bullen demands.
The rookie is learning: NFL grace isn’t gifted — it’s grinded.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Charlie Bullen: Abdul Carter turned a corner after benchings