A former Giants quarterback whose number was retired by the team in 1995, Simms was recently asked what he would say if Dart (who wore No. 2 in college) asked to wear his number. "I'd let him have it in a second," Simms said. "Can you just help it a little bit and make it better? I think it would a lot of fun. It wouldn't bother me."

The family of Ray Flaherty permitted wide receiver Malik Nabers to wear his retired No. 1 last season, so the precedent has already been set. It has also been felt around the league as Warren Moon recently granted Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward to wear his retired No. 1.

Lawrence Taylor might not be flexible when it comes to having his number back in circulation for the New York Giants, but Phil Simms was at least willing to let Abdul Carter wear No. 11 before his family stepped in.