Dexter Lawrence Sends a Clear Message After Abdul Carter’s Second Benching: “Just Grow Up”
Dexter Lawrence isn’t known for stirring the pot. In fact, the Giants' two-time All-Pro defensive tackle is one of the most respected voices in the locker room - not just for his dominance on the field, but for his steady, upbeat presence off it.
He’s the guy who brings energy, not drama. So when he speaks up - especially with blunt honesty - it’s worth paying attention.
After the Giants’ 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 13, Lawrence didn’t talk about the scoreboard. Instead, his focus was on something deeper - something that’s been simmering behind the scenes. Rookie outside linebacker Abdul Carter was benched to start for the second time in three games, and Lawrence made it clear: the patience is wearing thin.
“Just Grow Up”
When asked about Carter’s situation, Lawrence didn’t sugarcoat it. No clichés.
No deflections. Just a straight shot of veteran leadership.
“Just grow up, really,” Lawrence said. “I think [Carter] loves football, and he takes it serious.
His approach to the game is really good. Just young stuff that can’t happen.”
That “young stuff” isn’t about missed tackles or blown assignments. It’s about professionalism - or the lack of it.
According to reports, Carter has struggled with basic team expectations: showing up to practice on time, staying engaged during walkthroughs, and fulfilling team responsibilities. At one point, he even fell asleep during a session.
That’s not just a rookie mistake - it’s a red flag in a league that demands maturity fast.
A Veteran’s Frustration
For Lawrence, who’s built his career on consistency and accountability, watching a talented young player squander opportunities is tough to stomach.
“It’s definitely frustrating,” he admitted, describing Carter as “hard-headed.”
And that frustration isn’t just personal. It’s about the message it sends to the rest of the locker room. If a rookie can skip out on team responsibilities without consequences, what does that say to the guys grinding every day - vets and young players alike - who are doing things the right way?
Lawrence isn’t throwing Carter under the bus. He’s doing what leaders do: calling out behavior that hurts the team, not just the individual. And in a season where the Giants have already faced their share of adversity, that kind of accountability matters.
The Bigger Picture
Carter has shown flashes of promise on the field, and there’s no doubt the Giants see potential in him. But potential doesn’t mean much if it’s not paired with discipline. Lawrence’s comments weren’t about tearing the rookie down - they were about challenging him to be better.
And that’s the kind of challenge that can go one of two ways. Either Carter hears the message, owns his mistakes, and starts turning the corner - or he doesn’t, and the opportunity slips away.
Dexter Lawrence didn’t have to say anything. But he did.
And when a player of his stature speaks this directly, it carries weight. The ball is now in Carter’s court.