"My role in it was not as central as it was in some of the later cases considering I was younger then and I was playing a role of co-counsel on the case"

Floyd Abrams is referring to his involvement in a legal case. He was younger at the time and was playing a role of co-counsel on the case, indicating he was not the primary legal representative in charge. His function was not as main as it was in a few of the later cases he was involved in, likely due to his age and absence of experience. This quote reveals that Abrams was modest and aware of his restrictions at the time, but likewise that he was confident in his capabilities and was able to take on more responsibility in later cases. It also shows that he wanted to handle a lesser role in order to gain experience and learn from more skilled lawyers.