Abdul Carter has quickly emerged as one of the most electrifying young defenders in American football. After a dominant college career at Penn State, Carter was selected third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Known for his relentless energy on the field and a private, focused life off it, Carter’s story is just beginning. Here’s a comprehensive look at his journey, achievements, and personal details.
Abdul Carter’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Abdul Jabar Carter |
| Nickname | “Darth Vader” |
| Born | January 2, 2004 |
| Age | 21 years |
| College | Penn State University |
| Religion | Muslim |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3” (1.92 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4.5 million |
| Salary | $11,313,795. |
| Spouse | Not married |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @abdulcarter11 |
Early Career
Abdul Carter was born and raised in North Philadelphia, where he played youth football for the North Philly Aztecs. He attended La Salle College High School, earning three All-Catholic League honors and leading his team to a PCL championship. As a four-star recruit, Carter chose Penn State over several major programs. His high school years were marked by leadership, athleticism, and a relentless work ethic, setting the stage for his rapid ascent in college football.
Professional Career
Carter enrolled at Penn State in 2022 and made an immediate impact as a freshman linebacker, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. By his junior year, he transitioned to edge rusher—a move he initiated—which unlocked his full potential. In 2024, Carter recorded 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, leading the nation and earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American honors.
He finished his college career with 172 tackles, 23 sacks, and five forced fumbles in 42 games. Drafted third overall by the New York Giants in 2025, Carter signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract and is expected to be a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense for years to come.
Abdul Carter’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Carter’s net worth is estimated at $4.5 million. This includes his pre-NFL NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) earnings of $478,000 and the signing bonus from his rookie contract with the Giants. As his NFL salary and endorsement deals begin to accumulate, his net worth is expected to rise significantly.
Contract
Abdul Carter signed a four-year, $45,255,180 fully guaranteed contract with the New York Giants after being drafted third overall in 2025. The deal includes a $29,552,848 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $11,313,795. The contract also features a fifth-year team option, standard for first-round picks. Carter’s entire contract is fully guaranteed, providing him with substantial financial security as he begins his professional career.
Career Earnings
| Year | Age | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Roster Bonus | Total Cash | Cumulative Cash |
| 2025 | 21 | New York Giants | $840,000 | $29,552,848 | — | $30,392,848 | $30,392,848 |
| 2026 | 22 | New York Giants | $1,005,000 | — | $1,892,055 | $2,897,055 | $33,289,903 |
| 2027 | 23 | New York Giants | $1,120,000 | — | $3,834,110 | $4,954,110 | $38,244,013 |
| 2028 | 24 | New York Giants | $1,235,000 | — | $5,776,167 | $7,011,167 | $45,255,180 |
| Total | $4,200,000 | $29,552,848 | $11,502,332 | $45,255,180 |
Endorsements
- Success with Honor (Penn State collective)
- Inch & Co. (Tesla lease)
- NextGenCamps
- Big Dean’s Hot Chicken (Philadelphia staple)
- Philadelphia Sportscard & Memorabilia Show
- EA Sports
Career Records
| Year | Opponent | Notable Performance | Result |
| 2024 | Illinois | 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss | Win |
| 2024 | Washington | 4 tackles for loss | Win |
| 2024 | Boise State (CFP) | Played through shoulder injury | Win (CFP quarterfinals) |
| 2024 | Fiesta Bowl | Helped secure playoff victory | Win |
| 2024 | Orange Bowl | Last college game, declared for NFL Draft | Loss |
FAQs
1. Who is Abdul Carter?
Abdul Carter is an American football linebacker who plays for the New York Giants in the NFL. He was a standout defender at Penn State, earning unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024 before being selected third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. What position does Abdul Carter play?
Carter primarily plays as a linebacker and edge rusher. He is known for his versatility, having played inside linebacker, edge rusher, and even defensive tackle during his college and early NFL career.
3. What are Abdul Carter’s college football achievements?
At Penn State, Carter was a unanimous All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and finished sixth all-time at Penn State in sacks (23.0). He also ranked eighth in tackles for loss (39.5) and was a key contributor to multiple bowl games and playoff runs.
4. What are Abdul Carter’s college career stats?
In 42 games at Penn State, Carter recorded 172 tackles (104 solo), 23 sacks, 39.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and 13 pass breakups.
5. Why did Abdul Carter choose jersey number 51 with the Giants?
Carter picked number 51 to remind himself to stay humble and motivated. He views it as a mindset, emphasizing that he must earn everything from day one and compete with the best athletes in the world.
6. Did Abdul Carter face any setbacks before entering the NFL?
Carter suffered a shoulder injury during the Fiesta Bowl in his final college season, which led him to skip workouts at the NFL Combine. However, he was cleared to resume training before his pro day and was expected to be fully healthy for the draft.
7. What is Abdul Carter’s background and early life?
Born in Philadelphia, Carter attended La Salle College High School, where he was a four-star recruit and excelled as a linebacker and basketball player. He was team captain, MVP, and led his team to a Pennsylvania Catholic League Championship.
8. How did Abdul Carter perform in high school?
As a senior at La Salle College High School, Carter made 78 tackles (53 solo), 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, and was a two-time all-state honoree and three-time All-Philadelphia Catholic League selection.
9. What honors did Abdul Carter receive in college?
Carter became Penn State’s 15th Unanimous Consensus All-American, won the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, and was named first-team All-Big Ten by coaches and media.
10. What is Abdul Carter’s reputation as an NFL rookie?
Carter is described as “explosive” and has impressed coaches and teammates with his quickness, adaptability, and football IQ. The Giants expect him to be a pivotal part of their defense and a foundational player for years to come.