Joe Schoen Defends 21-Year-Old Abdul Carter’s Sudden Rise to Fame
Joe Schoen, the General Manager of the New York Giants, is standing firm in his decision to select Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the player’s struggles on the field, including more benchings than sacks, Schoen remains optimistic about Carter’s potential.
Support for Abdul Carter
Schoen highlighted Carter’s youth as a significant factor in his development. At just 21 years old, Carter turned 22 in October. Schoen believes that while Carter still needs to learn professional conduct, he possesses intelligence and awareness of his responsibilities.
Quotes from Joe Schoen
- Schoen stated, “Abdul is a young man that’s smart and understands the magnitude of his actions.”
- He added, “Part of our job is to develop them as football players, but also as people.”
While discussing Carter’s challenges, Schoen acknowledged the difficulties young athletes face in high-pressure environments like New York City. “These kids are 21 years old and thrust into the spotlight,” he remarked, emphasizing that mistakes are a part of growth.
Disciplinary Actions and Support
Interim head coach Mike Kafka has benched Carter to start two of the last three games due to disciplinary issues. Schoen supports these decisions, stating that Kafka has the authority to manage player discipline.
Franchise Support for Coaching Decisions
Schoen expressed his confidence in Kafka’s judgment: “I support him with that decision and I’ll just leave it at that.” This unified front illustrates the Giants’ commitment to both player development and maintaining discipline within the team.
Looking Ahead
Despite the Giants’ struggles as the season winds down, Schoen continues to believe in the decision to draft Abdul Carter. The focus remains on nurturing the talents of a player who has the potential to develop into a vital asset for the franchise.
