Abdul Jabar Carter, born on January 2, 2004, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a professional football linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). A standout athlete from a young age, Carter honed his skills at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, where his senior year performance of 78 tackles and 10 tackles for loss earned him a four-star recruit rating.
Committing to Penn State University over offers from South Carolina and Ole Miss, Carter quickly rose to prominence as a dominant defensive end and linebacker. His journey from North Philadelphia to the NFL reflects a combination of raw talent, strategic thinking, and a strong family foundation, with his competitive drive shaped by his upbringing alongside his siblings and the guidance of his parents, Christopher and Tina Carter.
Siblings
Abdul grew up as the fourth of five children in a tight-knit family in Philadelphia. His siblings include two sisters, Cheryl and Cianie Carter, and two brothers, Hakim and Isaiah Carter. Despite his rising fame, little public information is available about their personal or professional lives, as the Carter family maintains a private stance outside of Abdul’s athletic spotlight.
Growing up in a household with four siblings fostered a competitive yet supportive environment that helped shape Abdul’s toughness and determination, traits that have become trademarks of his playing style. His siblings, while not in the public eye, are part of the family dynamic that Abdul credits for his success, with their shared experiences in Philadelphia contributing to his resilience and drive.
Career
Carter’s football career began to take shape at La Salle College High School, where his senior-year performance showcased his potential as a top-tier defensive player. Enrolling at Penn State in June 2022, he made an immediate impact despite a rocky start, including an ejection for targeting in his collegiate debut against Purdue. As a freshman, Carter transitioned from a reserve linebacker to a starter, finishing the season with 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 6.5 sacks, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.
His sophomore year saw him start all 13 games, recording 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. By his junior year in 2024, Carter had fully transitioned to defensive end, amassing 68 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four pass breakups. This dominant performance led to his selection by the New York Giants as the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. On May 22, 2025, Carter signed a four-year, $45,255,180 fully-guaranteed contract, joining a formidable defensive line alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. Off the field, Carter’s interests in chess, video games, and computer science, along with his volunteer tutoring.
Accolades
Carter’s collegiate career at Penn State was marked by significant recognition for his defensive prowess. In 2022, as a freshman, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors, a testament to his rapid rise as a key player. The following year, 2023, saw him named to the first-team All-Big Ten, reflecting his growing dominance.
His standout 2024 season culminated in being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, as well as a unanimous All-American selection. Carter was also a semifinalist for prestigious awards, including the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.