51 New York Giants Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

Updated on:

51 New York Giants Best Players

The New York Giants are a professional American football team with a long and proud history. They have been competing in the National Football League since 1925, making them one of the oldest teams in the league. During their nearly 100 year existence they have won eight NFL Championships as well as four Super Bowl titles, cementing their place amongst some of the most successful franchises ever to play American football. Based out of East Rutherford, New Jersey they continue to delight loyal fans every season with exciting plays and thrilling victories on MetLife Stadium’s gridiron.

Table of Contents

1. Eli Manning

Quarterback

Eli Manning Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLII, XLVI)
  • 2× Super Bowl MVP (XLII, XLVI)
  • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2016)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (2008, 2011, 2012, 2015)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 10 retired
  • Bart Starr Award (2020)
  • Maxwell Award (2003)
  • Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2003)
  • SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2003)
  • Second-team All-American (2003)
  • First-team All-SEC (2003)
  • Ole Miss Rebels No. 10 retired

Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants. Manning has also been named to ten Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2009. In 2004, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season.

Manning has donated millions of dollars to charity through his various foundations and initiatives including The Eli Manning Passing Academy which helps underprivileged children develop their skills as quarterbacks. Eli Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler.

He was the Giants' starting quarterback for most of his career, leading them to multiple playoff appearances. In 2004, he became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season. 

Manning has also set numerous league records during his 17-year career; some of which include the most passing yards and touchdowns in a postseason campaign.

Also Played For: madden nfl 13, ole miss rebels football

2. Lawrence Taylor

Linebacker

Lawrence Taylor Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1986)
  • 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986)
  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981)
  • 8× First-team All-Pro (1981–1986, 1988, 1989)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1990)
  • 10× Pro Bowl (1981–1990)
  • NFL sacks leader (1986)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 56 retired
  • 2× NFC Player of the Year (1983, 1986)
  • Bert Bell Award (1986)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)
  • Unanimous All-American (1980)
  • ACC Player of the Year (1980)
  • North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 98 honored

Lawrence Taylor was one of the greatest outside linebackers in NFL history. He recorded over 100 sacks during his career and was named to 10 Pro Bowls. Lawrence Taylor had a difficult childhood, living in poverty with several siblings until he became successful as an NFL player.

After being drafted by the New York Giants, Taylor quickly established himself as one of the best players in the league and led them to three Super Bowl wins (XXI, XXII, and XXV). He retired from professional football following the 1993 season. 

In 2009, Lawrence Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after being unanimously voted into nomination by NFL coaches and executives.

Today, Lawrence Taylor is a motivational speaker and ambassador for charity work around children's welfare issues such as child abuse prevention programs and hunger relief initiatives 

Lawrence Taylor was a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He is also considered one of the best defensive players in NFL history, with 10 Pro Bowl appearances and 2 NFC Player of the Year Awards.

In 1986, he became only the second player to win both the Bert Bell Award and The Associated Press MVP award (the other being Jim Brown). 

On September 11th, 2001, Lawrence Taylor was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to American football as well as philanthropy work throughout his life.

Also Played For: north carolina tar heels football, tecmo super bowl

3. Michael Strahan

Defensive end

Michael Strahan Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLII)
  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2001)
  • 4× First-team All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2001, 2003)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2005)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (1997–1999, 2001–2003, 2005)
  • 2× NFL sacks leader (2001, 2003)
  • NFL forced fumbles co-leader (2001)
  • NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 92 retired

Strahan was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler during his eleven seasons with the Giants. He is one of only six players in NFL history to record over 100 sacks, 1000 tackles, 20 forced fumbles, 10 passes defended, and five interceptions in their career.

Strahan retired after 11 seasons with the New York Giants and announced his retirement at the conclusion of Super Bowl XLII against the Patriots. 

Strahan is one of the best defensive players in NFL history, with 141.5 sacks in a career that spanned 11 seasons. He was a four-time First-team All-Pro and two-time Second-team All-Pro, as well as seven Pro Bowl appearances.

Strahan also led the league twice in sacks (2001, 2003) and forced fumbles (2001). His No. 92 jersey has been retired by the New York Giants and he is currently part of their Ring of Honor.

Also Played For: defensive end

4. Frank Gifford

Wide receiver

Frank Gifford Career

  • NFL champion (1956)
  • NFL MVP – NEA, SN, UPI (1956)
  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1962)
  • 6× First-team All-Pro (1953, 1955–1959)
  • 8× Pro Bowl (1953–1959, 1963)
  • NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 16 retired
  • First-team All-American (1951)

Frank Gifford was a star halfback and wide receiver in the NFL for over 20 years. He won three Super Bowls with the New York Giants and is considered one of the greatest players in league history.

After graduating from high school in Bakersfield, California, Gifford played college football at USC before being drafted by the New York Giants in 1952. His impressive career included three Super Bowl victories with the team, as well as numerous other accolades.

In 1960 he joined the San Francisco 49ers but retired after just two seasons due to injury. Later on he returned to play for his old team, the Giants, where he ended his career in 1964. After retiring from professional football, Gifford started a successful broadcasting career which lasted until his death aged 84 years later.

He was known for his honest and candid interviews – something that gained him widespread respect among fans and colleagues alike Gifford was a highly decorated NFL player who won multiple championships and MVP awards. 

He is most famous for his time with the New York Giants, where he spent 13 seasons playing quarterback. Gifford also played for the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers in his career.

After retiring from football, Gifford became a commentator on television sports shows.

Also Played For: usc trojans football

5. Sam Huff

Sam Huff Career

  • NFL champion (1956)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1958, 1959)
  • 4× Second-team All-Pro (1957, 1960, 1961, 1963)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1958–1961, 1964)
  • Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • First-team All-American (1955)
  • West Virginia Mountaineers No. 75 retired

Sam Huff was a linebacker for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins in the NFL. He played until 1963 with the Giants, and from 1964 to 1967 with the Redskins.

Sam Huff was born on October 4, 1934 in Edna, West Virginia. During his time in college at West Virginia, Huff had a stellar career as an athlete and helped lead his team to a National Championship victory in 1955.

In 1956, Sam Huff was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL Draft and went on to play for them until 1963. 

He then moved to Washington where he spent another four seasons before retiring due to injury after playing one final season in 1967 with Washington.

After retirement from football, Sam Huff enjoyed a successful coaching career which included stints as head coach of both Rutgers University (1973–1975) and Hampton University (1976). 

He passed away on November 13th, 2021 at age 87 after long suffering from Parkinson's Disease Sam Huff was one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history.

He played for 14 seasons and won multiple awards, including two First-team All-Pro selections and four Second-team All-Pros. 

Known as "The Assassin," Huff racked up 30 career interceptions, five touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries - impressive numbers for a defender of his era. 

Huff is perhaps best known for his time with the Washington Redskins during their championship years in the early 1960s.

At 34 years old, he helped lead Washington to back-to-back titles en route to being named an inaugural member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984. 

After hanging up his cleats following the 1965 season, Sam Huff retired with more than 18,000 total yards (155 receptions) and 105 tackles from 143 games played in his illustrious NFL career.

Also Played For: west virginia mountaineers football

6. Daniel Jones

Quarterback

Daniel Jones Career

  • Senior Bowl MVP (2019)
  • Independence Bowl MVP (2018)
  • Quick Lane Bowl MVP (2017)

Daniel Jones was a standout quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils. He was drafted in the first round by the New York Giants in 2019. Jones has started all but one of his 32 career games and is one of Eli Manning's favorite targets.

Daniel, who stands at 6 ft 5in tall and weighs 230lb, is an accurate passer with good mobility on the field as well. 

Daniel Jones emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL during his sophomore season. He led Division III Eastern Kentucky to a national championship and was named MVP of the Senior Bowl.

As a rookie, Daniel Jones started all 16 games for the New England Patriots and passed for 3,581 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

In 2019, he helped lead Eastern Kentucky to another national title before being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the NFL Draft. Daniel Jones is an exciting quarterback with great arm strength who can make difficult passes look easy on film.

His ability to run makes him even more dangerous in open spaces or when scrambling out of trouble.

Also Played For: duke blue devils football, nfl playoff

7. Saquon Barkley

Running back

Saquon Barkley Career

  • 2× Pro Bowl (2018, 2022)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2018)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
  • Consensus All-American (2017)
  • Paul Hornung Award (2017)
  • 2× Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017)
  • 2× Ameche–Dayne Running Back of the Year (2016, 2017)
  • Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year (2017)
  • 2× First-Team All-Big Ten (2016, 2017)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (2015)

Barkley was a two-time All-American at Penn State and won the Heisman Trophy in 2017. He was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has had an immediate impact, rushing for 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

Barkley is seen as one of the best running backs in history and his achievements have led him to be named on many prestigious lists, including Forbes' list of The World's Most Powerful Athletes 2019. 

Saquon Barkley is a dynamic, explosive running back with the potential to be one of the best in NFL history.

He was named consensus All-American and won several awards as a freshman at Penn State, including Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and the Paul Hornung Award. In his rookie season with the New York Giants, he led all rookies in rushing yards (1,291) and touchdowns (17). 

Barkley has been compared to Hall of Famers such as Jim Brown and Walter Payton due to his ability to run over defenders and create big plays on offense.

Also Played For: penn state nittany lions football

8. Andy Robustelli

Defensive end

Andy Robustelli Career

  • 2× NFL champion (1951, 1956)
  • 8× First-team All-Pro (1953, 1955, 1956, 1958–1960)
  • 4× Second-team All-Pro (1952, 1954, 1957, 1962)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (1953, 1955–1957, 1959–1961)
  • Bert Bell Award (1962)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • Third-team Little All-American (1949)

Andy Robustelli was a defensive end in the NFL for 13 seasons. He played with the Rams, Browns and Colts. In 1955, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and played with them until his retirement in 1965.

He is one of only five players to have won two Super Bowls (with Cleveland and Indianapolis). After retiring from football, Andy became a sports commentator on television stations across America before passing away at the age of 85 in 2011 Andy Robustelli was a two-time NFL champion with the New York Giants.

He played in eight Pro Bowls and was twice named First-team All-Pro. In 1962, he won the Bert Bell Award as the best player on his team. Andy Robustelli finished his career with 232 interception return yards and 2 touchdowns.

Also Played For: st louis rams

9. Justin Tuck

Defensive end

Justin Tuck Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLII, XLVI)
  • First-team All-Pro (2008)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2010)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (2008, 2010)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Justin Tuck was drafted by the New York Giants in 2005 and played for them until 2013. He then signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he spent two seasons before retiring in 2015.

Justin Tuck is a well-known defensive end who has had a successful career both in the NFL and internationally. He is married to model Ashley Graham and they have one child together.

Tuck is one of the most decorated players in Giants history and his tenure with the team was marked by several playoff appearances. Tuck started as a defensive end but has since moved to outside linebacker, where he has been very effective over the years.

He won two Super Bowls with New York and also received first-team All-Pro accolades in 2008 and 2010. After eight seasons spent with the Giants, Tuck announced that he would be retiring at the end of this season.

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10. Phil Simms

Quarterback

Phil Simms Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
  • Super Bowl MVP (XXI)
  • Jim Thorpe Trophy (1986)
  • NEA First-team All-Pro (1986)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1985, 1992)
  • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (1993)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1979)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 11 retired

Phil Simms was a standout quarterback in high school and college before being drafted by the New York Giants in 1979. He spent 12 seasons with the team, leading them to two Super Bowl victories (1986 and 1990) along the way.

In 1993, Simms was traded to the Baltimore Ravens where he played one season before retiring. After his playing career ended, he served as an analyst on NFL Network until 2018. Phil Simms is now 67 years old and lives in Kentucky with his wife of 38 years.

Phil Simms was one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He won two Super Bowls and was twice named MVP, earning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 1993. Despite his success on the field, Simms is also known for his humorous personality and sharp sense of humor.

For example, he once said, "I may be a good quarterback, but I'm an even better actor." In 2002, Phil Simms received a liver transplant after being diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. 

His recovery from surgery inspired him to start The Phil Simms Foundation which helps fight cancer through awareness and fundraising events.

After retiring from football in 2003, Phil spent time as a broadcaster for CBS before joining FOX Sports where he currently serves as an analyst for their Sunday night game broadcasts alongside play-by-play man Chris Myers.

Also Played For: national football conference

11. Chris Snee

Guard

Chris Snee Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLII, XLVI)
  • First-team All-Pro (2008)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2009, 2010)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (2008–2010, 2012)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2004)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Chris Snee was a two-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection in his 13 seasons with the New York Giants. 

After playing for the Giants, he spent one season as a coaching assistant before joining the Philadelphia Eagles' staff in 2014.

He is currently an analyst on NFL Network's pregame show "NFL GameDay Morning." Chris Snee is a former NFL linebacker and analyst who played for the New York Giants from 2004 to 2010. 

He was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft and went on to play 141 games, starting 141 of them.

He was twice named Second-team All-Pro and won two Super Bowls with the team before leaving as a free agent in 2010. Since then, he has worked as an analyst for NBC Sports while also continuing his work as a football coach at Boston College.

12. Mel Hein

Mel Hein Career

  • 2× NFL champion (1934, 1938)
  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1938)
  • 8× First-team All-Pro (1933–1940)
  • 4× NFL All-Star Game (1938–1941)
  • NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 7 retired
  • Washington State Cougars No. 7 retired
  • Washington State University Hall of Fame

Mel Hein was a linebacker for the New York Giants from 1931-1945. He played in six NFL championship games and helped the Giants win three of them, in 1936, 1938, and 1945.

After his playing career ended, Hein served as an assistant coach with several teams before retiring in 1971. Mel Hein is one of only two players to be elected to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (in 1966) and the College Football Hall of Fame (in 1977).

He died on January 31st 1992 at age 82 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease Hein was a two-time NFL champion and MVP who played for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, and USC. Hein is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

He also has several other awards and accolades including being named to both the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1930s and 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

After his playing career ended, Hein became an assistant coach at various colleges before joining Washington State University in 1965 as its head football coach where he led the Cougars to three straight bowl appearances (1967–1969).

13. Andrew Thomas

Tackle

Andrew Thomas Career

  • Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2019)
  • Unanimous All-American (2019)
  • First-team All-American (2018)
  • 2× First-team All-SEC (2018, 2019)
  • Freshman All-American (2017)

Andrew Thomas was a highly touted tackle prospect out of Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. He played college football at Georgia and was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Thomas has made an immediate impact for New York as a rookie offensive lineman, starting all 16 games he's played in during his career so far. He is considered one of the top young tackles in the league and looks to be part of the Giants' long-term future on their offensive line.

Andrew Thomas was an All-American and a first-team all-SEC player in 2018 and 2019. He was also a freshman All-American in 2017. 

In his four seasons at Alabama, he started 40 of 41 games played, piling up 1,249 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 101 receptions during that time. 

Thomas is projected to be drafted in the late rounds or undrafted by the NFL this year so it's safe to say that he has already accomplished quite a bit despite only having played four years of college football.

14. Harry Carson

Harry Carson Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXI)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1981, 1984)
  • 4× Second-team All-Pro (1978, 1982, 1985, 1986)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1978, 1979, 1981–1987)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1976)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Harry Carson was a middle linebacker for the New York Giants from 1976 to 1988. He led the team in tackles nine times and made three Pro Bowls. Carson also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers before retiring after the 1988 season.

In 2006, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming only the second player (after Merlin Olsen) from his original NFL franchise, as well as the first member of an African American fraternity to be enshrined in that hallowed institution. 

A three-time first-team All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler, Harry Carson was one of the most accomplished defensive players in NFL history.

A dominant force at linebacker for over a decade, Carson helped lead the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories – both coming against his former team Philadelphia Eagles. 

He is also revered by many as one of the greatest players ever to grace an opponent's field, having registered 19 sacks and 11 interceptions during his career. 

At retirement he held nearly every major record relating to linebackers (including tackles), making him a surefire candidate for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday soon.

An all around great guy off the field too – known for his sense of humor and down-to-earth personality.

15. Rosey Brown

Rosey Brown Career

  • NFL champion (1956)
  • 6× First-team All-Pro (1956–1959, 1961, 1962)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (1960, 1963, 1965)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1955–1960, 1962, 1964, 1965)
  • NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Rosey Brown was an offensive tackle in the NFL for over 20 years. He played for the New York Giants and helped them to two Super Bowls (1958, 1961). 

Brown also won four Pro Bowl selections (1954-1957, 1960) and was a key part of the team's success during that time.

Rosey Brown retired from football after the 1965 season and later served as an assistant coach with his old team, the Giants, until his death in 2004 at age 71. Brown led the Giants to their first NFL championship in 1956 and was a three-time Second Team All-Pro selection.

Brown also played nine Pro Bowls over his career, making him one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. He is part of the New York Giants Ring of Honor and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

16. Osi Umenyiora

Defensive end

Osi Umenyiora Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLII, XLVI)
  • First-team All-Pro (2005)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2010)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (2005, 2007)
  • NFL forced fumbles leader (2010)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • 2× SLC champion (1999, 2000)
  • All-SLC (2000)
  • Troy University Sports Hall of Fame

Osi Umenyiora was born in London, England on November 16th, 1981. He attended Auburn High School and played football for the Tigers from 1998-2002. Umenyiora then went to Troy where he starred as a defensive end for the Trojans during his college career from 2003-2006.

The New York Giants drafted him in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft and he started playing with them until 2012 when he was traded to Atlanta Falcons. Osi won two Super Bowls while playing with both teams: one with New York Giants (2007) and another with Atlanta Falcons (2013).

In 2014, he retired after spending one final season with the Falcons before hanging up his cleats permanently at age 36 due to an injury sustained earlier that year against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 10 of their game which ended up costing him half a season worth of action. 

Ultimately resulting in his retirement announcement being made early into the 2015 campaign even though team management had hoped otherwise following surgery performed later that same year on September 12th by Dr. James Andrews.

who diagnosed him as suffering from a severe medial collateral ligament tear requiring arthroscopic repair & reconstruction.

He also has an NFL record for forced fumbles in a season, with 10 in 2010. Osi was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Troy University before being drafted by the Giants. 

Osi has been a part of three different defensive teams that have made it to The Super Bowl - XLII (with Atlanta), XLVI (with New England), and LI (with Dallas). In 2013, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons but only played one game before retiring due to injury.

Also Played For: nfl europe

17. Tiki Barber

Running back

Tiki Barber Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2005)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2004–2006)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • ACC Player of the Year (1996)
  • ACC Offensive Player of the Year (1996)
  • Virginia Cavaliers Jersey No. 21 retired

Tiki Barber was an NFL running back who played for the New York Giants from 1997 to 2006. He attended Virginia, where he won a national championship in 1995 as a member of the football team.

Barber is best known for his time with the Giants, where he finished with over 4,000 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns in his career. After retiring from playing football, Tiki transitioned into television commentary and now hosts "The Tiki Barbershop" on FS1.

In 2007, Barber directed and starred in the drama film "Trip", which received mixed reviews but nevertheless made some money at the box office. Currently living near San Diego with his wife and two young children.

Tiki remains active both off-the-field and on it by occasionally lending his voice to various commercials or doing guest stints on talk shows Tiki Barber is a former professional American football player who played for the New York Giants and was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

He gained fame as one of the most versatile running backs in NFL history, able to run between the tackles or catch passes out of the backfield. In 2005, he was voted first-team All-Pro and won three Pro Bowls during his career. 

Tiki Barber has since retired from playing professionally but continues to work as an analyst on NBC Sports Network broadcasts covering NFL games.

Also Played For: virginia cavaliers football

18. Leonard Williams

Defensive lineman

Leonard Williams Career

  • Pro Bowl (2016)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2015)
  • 2× First-team All-American (2013, 2014)
  • 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2013, 2014)
  • Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2012)

Leonard Williams was a highly-coveted defensive tackle prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft, and the Giants were happy to select him with their first pick. Williams has been an integral part of the Giants' defense over the past two seasons and is considered one of the best players at his position.

He is known for his powerful tackles and disruptive play on opposing offenses, which has helped New York win several games over that time period. In 2019, he signed a five-year contract extension with the Giants worth $85 million, making him one of the team's most valuable players moving forward.

Williams will be 28 years old when this current contract expires in 2022 but shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon as one of the premier defensive linemen in football today Leonard Williams was one of the most highly-touted prospects in recent memory when he declared for the 2014 NFL Draft.

He rewarded those who believed in him by becoming a two-time first-team All-American and Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year while playing at USC. 

In his rookie season, Leonard Williams led all interior defensive linemen with 409 tackles, 38 sacks, 9 pass deflections and 6 forced fumbles despite missing 4 games due to injury.

His success continued into his sophomore year where he registered 44 tackles (5 for loss), 10 sacks ( tying for 3rd in the league) and 2 interceptions as well as being named First Team All-American once again. 

Injuries have been an issue throughout Leonard's career though; he has only played 16 games twice over three seasons which is why some analysts project him as a potential bust or question whether durability will be an issue down the road.

However, given how talented Leonard is there's no questioning that if healthy he would be one of the best players at his position in any era.

19. Mark Bavaro

Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (1986, 1987)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1986, 1987)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1985)
  • George Halas Award (1993)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Mark Bavaro played tight end for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1990. He was drafted in the fourth round by the Giants in 1985 and spent four seasons with them before joining the Cleveland Browns in 1992.

In 1994, he returned to the Giants and retired after playing two more seasons. Mark is a three-time Pro Bowler (1985, 1988, 1989) and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2013. Mark Bavaro is a two-time Super Bowl champion and All-Pro receiver with the New York Giants.

He was honored with the George Halas Award in 1993, becoming one of only three players to win both the NFL Rookie of the Year award and the Halas Award. 

After retiring from playing football, Bavaro became an analyst for Fox Sports 1 and NBC Sports Network as well as serving as a color commentator on college football broadcasts for ESPNEWS.

20. Emlen Tunnell

Emlen Tunnell Career

  • 2× NFL champion (1956, 1961)
  • 6× First-team All-Pro (1949, 1951, 1952, 1954–1956)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1950–1957, 1959)
  • NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Emlen Tunnell was a safety for the New York Giants from 1948 to 1958. He played college football at Toledo and Iowa before being undrafted in the 1948 NFL Draft.

Tunnell was a member of the Green Bay Packers during their 1959-1961 seasons, but he never won an NFL Championship with them. 

Emlen Tunnel died on July 23, 1975, after suffering a heart attack while playing golf at Pleasantville Country Club in Westchester County, New York.

Emlen Tunnell, who starred as a cornerback for the New York Giants from 1949 to 1957, was one of the most dominant defenders in NFL history.

He earned nine first-team All-Pro selections and two championships during his career. Tunnell also played five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles after leaving the Giants, recording 16 interceptions and returning them for touchdowns. 

In 2004, he was named to the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and received a ring of honor from the New York Giants later that year. Emlen Tunnell died in 2012 at age 80 after suffering a heart attack while playing golf.

21. Carl Banks

Carl Banks Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
  • First-team All-Pro (1987)
  • Pro Bowl (1987)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1984)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Banks was a linebacker for the Giants and Redskins in the NFL. Banks played college football at Michigan State, and had success there as well. He was drafted by the New York Giants in 1984, and spent his entire career with that team.

Banks also played for Washington from 1993 to 1992, before retiring after 12 seasons in the NFL. In all, Banks recorded over 1,000 tackles during his career - including 9 interceptions - making him one of the most accomplished linebackers of all time.

Carl Banks was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Cleveland Browns and is one of only four players in NFL history to win consecutive Pro Bowls. A versatile player, Banks recorded 39½ sacks in his career as well as three interceptions and one touchdown.

After retiring from football, Carl became an announcer for the Kansas City Chiefs before joining Fox Sports West as an analyst for their college coverage team in Los Angeles.

22. Amani Toomer

Wide receiver

Amani Toomer Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLII)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • First-team All-Big Ten (1994)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (1995)

Amani Toomer was a wide receiver for the New York Giants from 1996 to 2008. He averaged over 1,000 yards per season and helped his team win two Super Bowls.

After retiring as a player, Toomer became an analyst with NFL Network and FOX Sports. In 2013, he joined ESPN as an analyst for college football games. 

Amani is married to actress Candace Cameron Bure and they have three children together: son Brayden (born 2002), daughter Kiari (born 2007), and son Knox (born 2009).

Toomer speaks six languages fluently - English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Japanese - which has helped him in his broadcasting career.(source: About). 

Amani Toomer is a hall of Famer who was one-third of the famed "Greatest Show on Turf" with Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin.

He had 668 receptions for 9,497 yards and 54 touchdowns in his career. In 2005, he became the eighth player in NFL history to record over 1,000 receiving yards in four different seasons (1,002). 

Toomer retired after the 2007 season and has since worked as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcasts.

23. Jeremy Shockey

Tight end

Jeremy Shockey Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLII, XLIV)
  • First-team All-Pro (2002)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2002)
  • Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year (2002)
  • NFL Alumni Tight End of the Year (2005)
  • BCS national champion (2001)
  • Consensus All-American (2001)
  • Grantland Rice Trophy (2001)

Jeremy Shockey was born in Ada, Oklahoma on August 18, 1980. He played tight end for the New York Giants from 2002 to 2007 and then with the New Orleans Saints from 2008-2010.

He signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2011 but retired after one season due to injuries sustained in a game against his former team, the New Orleans Saints. Jeremy Shockey is a three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler.

He was also an All-Pro in 2002, 2005, and 2006. He played college football in Miami (FL). After leaving the NFL, he had some success as a tight end with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Jeremy Shockey was born on March 10th, 1981 in Jupiter Beach, Florida.

24. Shaun O'Hara

Center

Shaun O Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLII)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2008)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2008–2010)
  • First-team All-Big East (1999)

Shaun O'Hara is a former American football center who played for the Giants and Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on June 23, 1977.

O'Hara attended Hillsborough Township High School in New Jersey before playing college football at Rutgers. Undrafted out of college, he signed with the Giants as a free agent in 2000 and made his debut that season.

In 2003, he was traded to Cleveland where he spent four seasons before retiring in 2007 due to injury. Shaun O'Hara is a former NFL offensive lineman. He played for the Cleveland Browns (2000-2003) and New York Giants (2004-2010).

Shaun O'Hara was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Giants in 2008 and 2010, as well as being named Second Team All-Pro in 2008. Shaun O'Hara also won three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2008 to 2010, making him one of only six players to ever achieve that feat.

After his playing days were over, he became an analyst for Fox Sports 1's "NFL RedZone". In 2017 he joined ESPN as an analyst on their Sunday Night Football coverage.

Also Played For: rutgers scarlet knights football

25. Dexter Lawrence

Nose tackle

Dexter Lawrence Career

  • Pro Bowl (2022)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
  • 2× CFP national champion (2016, 2018)
  • 2× First-team All-ACC (2017, 2018)
  • Second-team All-ACC (2016)
  • ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2016)

Dexter Lawrence is a nose tackle for the New York Giants. He was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Giants and has since made an impact on their defensive line.

Dexter Lawrence attended Clemson University, where he played college football under Dabo Swinney. As a sophomore in 2016, he was named to All-ACC First Team and helped lead Clemson to a National Championship that year.

In his two seasons with the Tigers, Lawrence recorded 97 tackles (47 solos) and 17 sacks while helping win two national championships (2017, 2018). 

After being drafted by New York, Dexter signed a four-year contract worth $6 million which includes $5 million guaranteed and will make him one of their highest-paid players when it expires in 2022.

With his impressive stats at Clemson coupled with elite pass-rushing abilities, there's no questioning Dexter's potential as an NFL player - especially considering that he's still only 25 years old. 

Dexter Lawrence is an All-American defensive lineman from Clemson who was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Dexter Lawrence has already established himself as a starter for the Chiefs and is one of their most important players on defense.

He has tallied 213 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 8 pass deflections during his rookie season. 

Dexter Lawrence's athleticism, strength, and aggressiveness make him a highly sought-after player in today's NFL landscape and he will only continue to improve with time under coach Andy Reid and team KC.

Also Played For: clemson university

26. Rosey Grier

Defensive tackle

Rosey Grier Career

  • NFL champion (1956)
  • 3× All-Pro (1956, 1958, 1959)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1956, 1960)

Grier was a three-time All-Pro defensive tackle for the New York Giants. Grier is best known for his time with the Giants, where he helped lead them to two Super Bowl victories (1956 and 1958).

Following his playing career, Grier became a commentator on NFL broadcasts and served as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1963–1965. 

In 1988, Grier was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his defensive prowess and overall impact on the game of football.

Rosey Grier passed away at age 90 in August 2018 after a long battle with dementia Rosey Grier was an All-Pro linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams from 1956 to 1960. 

He helped lead the Rams to NFL championships in 1956 and 1958, as well as Pro Bowl appearances in both seasons. Grier was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

Also Played For: penn state university

27. Tom Landry

Cornerback

Tom Landry Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
  • NFL champion (1956)
  • NFL Coach of the Year (1966)
  • UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1975)
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor

Tom Landry was a Hall-of-Famer who played for four NFL teams over his career. He was most notably a back and punter with the Dallas Cowboys, where he won two Super Bowls in franchise history.

Landry also appeared in five Pro Bowls during his career and is one of only three players to have achieved this feat (the others being Franco Harris and Jerry Rice). 

In 1999, Tom Landry became the first player in NFL history to be voted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame simultaneously.

Following his retirement from professional football, Tom Landry served as an analyst on games broadcast by CBS Sports until his death at age 75 in 2000. Tom Landry was one of the most successful football coaches in NFL history. 

He led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tom Landry's coaching career began as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, where he helped lead them to their first-ever championship in 1954. 

After leaving the Giants, Tom Landry served as head coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 until 1988, winning two more championships along the way. 

In addition to his success on the field, Tom Landry has also been recognized with numerous accolades off it, including being named NFL Coach of The Year twice and receiving induction into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

28. Jason Sehorn

Cornerback

Career

  • Shasta (1990–1991)
  • USC (1992–1993)

Jason Sehorn was a cornerback for the Washington Redskins from 1994 to 2003. He played in two Super Bowls with the team and helped them win their first championship in 1996.

In 2001, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys where he spent four seasons before retiring after the 2006 season. 

Jason is now a commentator for NBC Sports Washington and Fox Sports 1 and has also appeared on several TV shows including The Today Show, CBS This Morning, and Good Morning America.

Jason married actress Brooke Burke in 2002, but they divorced in 2006; they have one child together named Ryder Sehorn-Burke (born in 2007). He currently lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend of three years, model Chrissy Teigen Jason Sehorn was an All-Pro cornerback for the New York Giants from 1994-2002.

Jason Sehorn signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2003 and played there until 2007. After leaving the NFL, Jason Sehorn pursued a career as a football analyst on television and radio networks like Fox Sports Net, ESPN Radio, and CBS Radio Network In 2015. 

Jason Sehorn became an assistant coach at his alma mater – Stanford University – where he currently coaches the secondary.

29. Fran Tarkenton

Quarterback

Fran Tarkenton Career

  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1975)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1975)
  • First-team All-Pro (1975)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1973)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (1964, 1965, 1967–1970, 1974–1976)
  • NFL passing yards leader (1978)
  • NFL passing touchdowns leader (1975)
  • NFL completion percentage leader (1977)
  • Bert Bell Award (1975)
  • 50 Greatest Vikings
  • Minnesota Vikings 25th Anniversary Team
  • Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team
  • Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
  • Minnesota Vikings No. 10 retired
  • 2× First-team All-SEC (1959, 1960)
  • Orange Bowl champion (1960)

Fran Tarkenton was one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He won three Super Bowls with the Minnesota Vikings and also led his teams to two NFC championships.

Fran Tarkenton is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he also received several other accolades, including being named MVP twice. In 1967, at just 27 years old, Tarkenton became the youngest player ever to start an NFL game.

After retiring from football in 1978, Tarkenton started a career as a sportscaster for various networks around the world. 

Fran Tarkenton's son Craig played quarterback briefly in the NFL and currently plays for the CFL's Calgary Stampeders Fran Tarkenton is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history.

He was a three-time NFL MVP and nine-time Pro Bowler, as well as leading the league in passing yards twice and touchdown passes six times. Fran Tarkenton also had an impressive career both on the field and off it. 

In 1975 he became only the second player ever to win both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and Offensive Player of the Year honors, while in 1984 he was awarded Bert Bell Award - given annually to college football's top quarterback - for his outstanding contributions at Minnesota.

After retiring from playing professional football, Fran Tarkenton served two terms (1984–1988) as governor of his home state of Minnesota before returning to broadcast sports commentary following a lengthy retirement period himself.

30. Evan Engram

Tight end

Evan Engram Career

  • Pro Bowl (2020)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017)
  • First-team All-American (2016)
  • Conerly Trophy (2016)
  • 2× First-team All-SEC (2014, 2016)
  • Second-team All-SEC (2015)

Evan Engram was drafted by the New York Giants in 2017 and played for them until 2021. He then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022 and has remained there since.

Evan Engram is a tight end who primarily plays on offense, but can also play defense if necessary. He has been extremely successful throughout his career, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his two seasons with Jacksonville so far.

Evan Engram is a rookie tight end for the New York Giants who was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Evan Engram has been very impressive this season, leading all rookies with 331 receptions and 3,567 receiving yards. He also has 20 touchdown catches in his rookie year.

Evan Engram will be looking to continue his success into next season as he looks to become one of the top tight ends in the league.

Also Played For: fantasy playoff, university of mississippi

31. Xavier McKinney

Safety

Xavier McKinney Career

  • First-team All-SEC (2019)
  • CFP national champion (2017)

McKinney attended Roswell High School in Roswell, Georgia. He was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and won two National Championships (2018, 2019).

McKinney was drafted by the Giants in 2020 and has played his entire career with them to date. He has made over 100 tackles in each of his four seasons as a Giant and is an important part of their defense.

McKinney is also known for being an excellent returner, having tallied more than 1,000 yards on punt returns during his time with the Giants so far. Xavier McKinney is a versatile defensive lineman who was named First-team All-SEC in 2019.

He played college football at the University of Alabama and won a national championship in 2017. Xavier McKinney has been drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he has not yet made an appearance for them.

32. Landon Collins

Safety

Landon Collins Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2016)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2016–2018)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2015)
  • BCS national champion (2013)
  • Unanimous All-American (2014)
  • First-team All-SEC (2014)

Landon Collins is a safety and linebacker for the New York Giants. He was born in 1994 in Louisiana and played college football at Alabama. 

Collins was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2015 but did not play with them until 2019 when he joined the Giants.

In 2021, Collins signed with the New York Giants and has since remained there as of 2018. Landon Collins is one of the most decorated players in college football history. He was a unanimous first-team All-American and led Alabama to their fourth BCS national championship in 2013.

Collins was drafted by the New York Giants with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, and he has been an integral part of their defense ever since. He has made six Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls with them as well. 

Collins is known for his aggressive play on defense, which has resulted in him accumulating over 600 tackles, 41 sacks, 12 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, and 2 touchdowns throughout his career so far.

Also Played For: madden nfl 18

33. Adoree' Jackson

Cornerback

Adoree Career

  • Jim Thorpe Award (2016)
  • Jet Award (2016)
  • Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year (2016)
  • Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2014)
  • Consensus All-American (2016)
  • 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2015, 2016)

Adoree Jackson is a cornerback for the New York Giants. He was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, but he only played one season with them before being traded to the Giants.

At USC, Jackson won two Pac-12 titles and was named a First Team All-American as a junior in 2016. After going undrafted that year, he signed with the Titans and made an impression on coach Mike Mularkey who saw potential in him.

In 2018, Jackson had an excellent season for both his team (the Giants) and himself; he was named to his first Pro Bowl and finished second in voting for the AP Defensive Player of the Year Award behind Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson. 

Adoree has been praised throughout his career for his exceptional athleticism which allows him to cover receivers very well downfield as well as break up passes in close quarters; this makes him extremely valuable to any defensive unit Adoree' Jackson is a cornerback who was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

He played college football at USC and was an All-American selection in 2016. Jackson has had success both as a returner and defender in his career so far, with 313 total tackles, 48 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery over the past four seasons. 

He is set to start for the Oakland Raiders this season after being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks during free agency.

34. Odell Beckham Jr.

Wide receiver

Odell Beckham Jr. Career

  • Super Bowl champion (LVI)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2014)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2015, 2016)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2014–2016)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
  • Paul Hornung Award (2013)
  • First-team All-American (2013)
  • First-team All-SEC (2013)

Beckham was one of the most electrifying and talented receivers in NFL history. He is a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time First Team All-Pro, two-time Second Team All-Pro, and won the 2016 AP Most Valuable Player Award.

Beckham Jr.'s spectacular play with the New York Giants appeared to be coming to an end after he left for Cleveland in 2019 but quickly proved himself as one of the best receivers in football once again. 

After being traded back to the Giants in midseason 2020 Beckham Jr finished his brilliant career with another Pro Bowl nod and Super Bowl victory over Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles.

Odell Beckham Jr. is a professional American football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at LSU and was drafted by the Giants in 2013. 

Beckham has been selected to four Pro Bowls, was named an All-Pro twice, won the Paul Hornung Award as rookie of the year, and set numerous NFL records during his career. 

In 2018 he became just the second player in history with at least five receiving touchdowns in each of his first six seasons with a team, joining Randy Moss.

Beckham also founded OBJ Inc., a sports marketing company that has created products such as apparel and shoes for athletes across various leagues including MLB, NBA, MLS, and UFC athletes. 

Beckham's charitable work includes donating $1 million to help rebuild areas affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas In 2019 he signed an endorsement deal with Nike worth over $200 million which makes him one of their highest-paid athletes ever.

35. Jabrill Peppers

Safety

Jabrill Peppers Career

  • Lott Trophy (2016)
  • Paul Hornung Award (2016)
  • Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year (2016)
  • Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2016)
  • Big Ten Linebacker of the Year (2016)
  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2015)
  • Unanimous All-American (2016)
  • Second-team All-American (2015)
  • 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2015, 2016)

Jabrill Peppers was drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played for Cleveland and New York before joining the Patriots in 2020.

Peppers is a strong safety who has made an impact both on and off the field during his career thus far. Jabrill Peppers is one of the most decorated players in college football history.

He was a unanimous All-American and won numerous awards, including the Lott Trophy (2016), the Paul Hornung Award (2016) and the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year (2016). Jabrill Peppers likely would have been a first-round draft pick if he had not decided to enter the NFL Draft.

He has played in 14 games with six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 377 tackles over that time period. Jabrill Peppers will be part of an important unit for Cleveland this season as they look to make it back to Super Bowl contention.

36. Victor Cruz

Wide receiver

Victor Cruz Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLVI)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2011)
  • Pro Bowl (2012)
  • 2× First-team All-CAA (2008, 2009)

Victor Cruz was drafted by the Giants in 2010 and quickly became a fan favorite. In his six seasons with the Giants, Cruz recorded over 1,000 receiving yards three times and caught at least one touchdown in all but two of them.

After being traded to Chicago midway through the 2017 season, Cruz made an immediate impact catching 11 touchdowns in 13 games for the Bears. Victor Cruz is known for his large catch radius which has helped him make some spectacular catches throughout his career.

With age now starting to catch up with him, Victor Cruz will be looking to continue playing professional football in future years Victor Cruz is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-CAA player. 

He was the Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants in 2012, and he also played for the Dallas Cowboys during his time in the NFL.

Victor Cruz has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named Second-team All-Pro in 2011 and making it to both the Pro Bowl (2012) and NFL record books as the longest receiving touchdown of 99 yards (tied).

Also Played For: university of massachusetts amherst

37. Y. A. Tittle

Quarterback

Y. A. Tittle Career

  • NFL Most Valuable Player (1963)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1957, 1962, 1963)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1961)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (1953, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1961–1963)
  • 3× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1955, 1962, 1963)
  • 2× NFL completion percentage leader (1957, 1963)
  • NFL passer rating leader (1963)
  • San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 14 retired
  • 2× First-team All-SEC (1946, 1947)

Y. A. Tittle was one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, leading his teams to five championships - Baltimore Colts (1948), San Francisco 49ers (1951-1960), New York Giants (1971), and Oakland Raiders (1982).

He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Y. A. Tittle began his football career as a quarterback at Marshall High School in Marshall, Texas before playing for LSU. Tigers football team from 1944 to 1946 where he led them to an undefeated season and the Sugar Bowl championship game. 

Alabama Crimson Tide won 21-0 with Tittle throwing three touchdown passes including two long touchdowns on runs of over 80 yards each.

After graduating from college, Tittle was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1948 but did not play due to World War II being ongoing at that time - he rejoined the team after serving in military service and became their starting quarterback eventually winning four more championships during his ten seasons with them. 

In 1961, Y.A . Tittle moved to the San Francisco 49ers where he would remain until retirement after leading them to 5 Championships within 10 years – making him one of only 2 players ever (the other being Joe Montana) who have accomplished this feat.

In 1971, following several years out of the sport due to various injuries sustained while playing QB for both Baltimore & SF49ers; The New York Giants signed him as their new QB and it proved a wise decision as they went on win 3 SuperBowls under his leadership – cementing his place amongst NFL’s all-time greats. 

In 1982, aged 38 years old then newly appointed head coach John Madden decided it was time for a change at QB for struggling Oakland Raiders so traded away a popular veteran signal-caller. Kenny Stabler midseason & called up then relatively unknown rookie YATitle who led. 

Raiders charge all playoffs culminating in a victory over Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 giving birth to the now iconic “FamousRaidersCheerleaders” commercial campaign celebrating the 40th Anniversary this year.

Despite suffering health problems throughout later life including multiple heart surgeries; dementia; pneumonia & Alzheimer's disease; nevertheless, in 2017 YATitle celebrated its 90th birthday successfully living independently with wife Loni Anderson closely surrounded by many friends & family members – truly an incredible achievement given how tough life can be sometimes.

Y. A. Tittle is one of the most revered quarterbacks in NFL history, and his record speaks for itself. He was a three-time first-team All-Pro and two-time passing touchdowns leader, as well as an NFL passer rating leader. 

Y.A.Tittle's tenure with the Giants saw some impressive accomplishments; he led them to four division titles and three pro bowl appearances during his time there, while also setting numerous team records along the way that still stand today.

After retiring from football following the 1964 season, Tittle went on to have a successful career in broadcasting before passing away at age 69 in 2006.

Also Played For: lsu tigers football

38. Brad Van Pelt

Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (1978)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1976–1980)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • Maxwell Award (1972)
  • 2× Consensus All-American (1971, 1972)

Van Pelt was a linebacker during his 10-year NFL career. He played for the Giants, Raiders, Browns, and Vikings over that time period. 

Van Pelt was selected by the New York Giants in the 1973 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with them before moving on to play for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1984 to 1985.

After two years with Cleveland, he finished his career with stints in Minnesota (1986) and San Francisco (1989). 

Brad Van Pelt was a two-time consensus All-American at Penn State, and he was drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He played for the Giants for six seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1978.

After one season with Philadelphia, Van Pelt retired from professional football. He has since worked as an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage and has been a regular commentator on college football games. 

Brad Van Pelt is now considered one of the greatest defensive players in history and he will be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

39. Antrel Rolle

Safety

Antrel Rolle Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XLVI)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2010, 2013)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2009, 2010, 2013)
  • BCS national champion (2001)
  • Unanimous All-American (2004)
  • Jack Tatum Trophy (2004)
  • First-team All-Big East (2002)
  • First-team All-ACC (2004)

Antrel Rolle is a defensive back who was drafted by the Giants in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played for Arizona Cardinals (2005-2009) and New York Giants (2010-2014).

In 2015, he signed with Chicago Bears. Antrel has been a three-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, winning XLVI in 2014 over Seattle Seahawks. 

He also won the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2012 and was part of the victorious team at the 2011 Pro Bowl as well as being named First Team All-Pro twice during his career.

Antrel started playing football when he was just five years old after being inspired by his older brother's sport participation. However, it wasn't until high school that he seriously considered pursuing a career in football instead of basketball or track & field like most kids do at that age level.

Antrel attended Miami University after graduating from South Dade High School in 2002. He majored in business management and played football there on scholarship through the 2004 season, recording 45 tackles and three interceptions.

Which he returned for a touchdown his senior year and helped the Miami Hurricanes make their first bowl appearance since 1984.

Following college graduation, Antrel embarked on an impressive professional career starting out with stints with Arizona Cardinals and then finally signing with divisional rivals -New York Giant Rolle was a two-time second-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler with the New York Giants.

Rolle was a unanimous first-team All-American at Syracuse University before being drafted by the Giants in 2004. Rolle helped lead SU to back-to-back Big East titles and an ACC championship as well during his college career.

After only playing four seasons, Antrel Rolle announced his retirement from the NFL in 2013 after 11 years of play including five with the Giants organization. He is now an analyst for Fox Sports 1's coverage of Super Bowl XLVIII alongside Charles Woodson and Erin Andrews.

40. Steve Owen

Steve Owen Career

  • New York Giants (1931–1953)
  • Head coach
  • Philadelphia Eagles (1956–1957)
  • Defensive Assistant
  • Toronto Argonauts (1959)
  • Interim Head coach
  • Calgary Stampeders (1960)
  • Interim Head coach
  • Saskatchewan Roughriders (1961–1962)
  • Head coach
  • Syracuse Stormers (1963)
  • Head coach

Steve Owen was a tackle and guard for the Kansas City Blues and Hartford Blues in the early 1920s. After playing football at Aline High School, Steve attended Phillips College where he played halfback and fullback before becoming a professional player.

Steve made his first NFL appearance with the Kansas City Blues in 1924, but it would be another two years until he found success with the Hartford Blues in 1925. In 1928, Owen signed with the New York Giants where he spent six seasons as their starting left tackle before retiring following the 1936 season.

After retirement from football, Steve moved to Oneida, New York where he ran a dairy farm until his death in 1964 at age 66. Steve Owen was an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1956 and 1957. 

He then served as defensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts from 1959 to 1960 before becoming head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1961.

In 1963, he took over as head coach of Syracuse Stormers where he remained until his retirement in 1974.

41. Mark Haynes

Career

  • New York Giants (1980–1985)
  • Denver Broncos (1986–1989)

Haynes was drafted by the New York Giants in 1980 and played for them until 1985. He is best known for his time with the Giants, where he made three Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro teams.

Haynes also played for the Denver Broncos (1986–1989), Philadelphia Eagles (1990) and Kansas City Chiefs (1991). In total, Haynes appeared in 139 games over 13 seasons in the NFL, recording 539 tackles, 11 interceptions and six sacks.

After retiring from football, Haynes became a police officer in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri before retiring due to injury in 2007 at age 49 years old. Haynes started out as a linebacker for the Broncos and then transitioned to defensive end in his final three seasons with the team.

Haynes was one of the most productive pass rushers in NFL history, recording 17 interceptions and 1 sack during his career. He also had success playing against the run, accumulating 292 tackles (second all-time) and 3 forced fumbles throughout his career while playing for Denver.

Also Played For: colorado buffaloes football

42. Carl Lockhart

Carl Lockhart Career

  • New York Giants (1965–1975)

Lockhart was a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys from 1965-1976. Lockhart led the NFL in interceptions twice (1972 and 1973), and also had a career-high of six in 1972.

Lockhart died from cancer at 43 years old, just months after helping lead his team to victory in Super Bowl XII against the Miami Dolphins. 

His number 43 is currently retired by the Dallas Cowboys organization, and he has been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Carl Lockhart was a linebacker who played nine seasons in the NFL with the Giants and Cowboys. He started every game he played for New York, recording 421 tackles and eight interceptions. 

After his playing days were over, Carl became an assistant coach with both the Cowboys and Eagles before being named defensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1997.

He held that position until 2001 when he was fired after six consecutive losses. In 2002, Carl returned to coaching as linebackers coach for the Panthers before retiring from football following the 2003 season. 

Today, Carl is a commentator on Fox Sports Net's "The Big O" show which airs Monday through Friday at 7 p.m ET.

43. Pepper Johnson

Pepper Johnson Career

  • New England Patriots (2000–2013)
  • Assistant linebackers coach (2000)
  • Inside linebackers coach(2001–2003)
  • Defensive line coach (2004–2011)
  • Linebackers coach (2012–2013)
  • Buffalo Bills (2014)
  • Defensive line coach
  • New York Jets (2015–2016)
  • Defensive line coach
  • Memphis Express (2019)
  • Linebackers coach
  • Los Angeles Wildcats (2020)
  • Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach
  • IMG Academy (2021)
  • Head coach
  • Tampa Bay Bandits (2022–present)
  • Defensive coordinator/Defensive line coach

Johnson was a linebacker for the New York Giants from 1986 to 1992. He then played for the Cleveland Browns from 1993 to 1995, before joining the Detroit Lions in 1996.

Johnson spent 11 seasons as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997–2004), Baltimore Ravens (2005), and New England Patriots (2007-2013).

In 2014, he took on his current role as defensive coordinator/defensive line coach with the Indianapolis Colts. Johnson has also served as an assistant head coach or linebackers coach in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Miami during his NFL career.

Pepper Johnson was a standout linebacker at UCLA and was drafted by the Jets in the 3rd round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played for the Jets from 1997-1998 and then spent three seasons with the Patriots before rejoining the Jets as an assistant coach in 2000.

Pepper Johnson served as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach for two seasons with Tampa Bay before joining New England's coaching staff full-time in 2003. 

In 2011, he left New England to become linebackers coach for Buffalo before returning to New York City as defensive line coach in 2012.

Johnson has been with the Jets ever since, serving most recently as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach from 2015-2016 before being named head Coach of IMG Academy during his second season there this year.

Also Played For: ohio state buckeyes football

44. Rodney Hampton

Rodney Hampton Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXV)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1992, 1993)
  • Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame

Rodney Hampton was a running back for the Atlanta Falcons in 1990 and 1991. He played college football at Georgia, where he finished with 4,248 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns on 919 carries.

Hampton was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft and spent five seasons with them before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 1997. 

In his six-year career with Minnesota, Hampton had 2,917 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 548 attempts (an average of 579 yards per season).

After leaving Minneapolis, Hampton signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2002 but only lasted one season before retiring from professional football later that year due to an injury sustained during training camp. 

Rodney Hampton currently works as a color commentator for Fox Sports South covering SEC Football games.

Rodney Hampton played for the New York Giants from 1990-1997. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion. Rodney Hampton is most notable for his rushing ability, as he had over 6,000 yards in his career. 

Rodney Hampton also had 49 touchdowns in his NFL career which is an impressive statistic. After playing football for many years, Rodney Hampton now works as a broadcaster with the NFL Network where he commentates on games and provides analysis of players' performances.

Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football

45. Shane Lemieux

Offensive lineman

Shane Lemieux Career

  • First-team All-American (2019)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pac-12 (2018, 2019)

Shane Lemieux is a 25-year-old offensive guard for the New York Giants. He attended West Valley High School in Yakima, Washington, and played college football at Oregon from 2015 to 2019.

In 2020, Lemieux was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the NFL Draft and has since started all 16 games for them this season. 

Shane Lemieux's career highlights include being named an All-Pac 12 performer as a sophomore at Oregon and starting every game he appeared in during his final two seasons with the Ducks (20 total).

Shane Lemieux is a talented young punter who has been impressive both in college and the NFL. Shane Lemieux was one of the most consistent performers for Stanford during his time there, earning First-team All-American honors in 2019. 

He signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in May of 2021, and will likely compete for a spot on the roster this season.

Shane Lemieux is definitely someone to watch out for this year, as he looks primed to make some noise in the National Football League.

46. Joe Morris

Joe Morris Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXI)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986)
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1985)
  • Syracuse Orange No. 47 retired

Joe Morris is a running back who played for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He was drafted by the Giants in 1982 and spent four seasons with them before moving on to the Browns in 1991.

In his time with both teams, Morris made an impact as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. After retiring from football, he started a construction company that continues to operate today. 

Joe Morris is one of only two players ever to score touchdowns rushing, receiving, punt returning, kickoff returning and passing (the other being LaDainian Tomlinson).

Joe Morris was a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants. He is best known for his rushing ability, ranking first in NFL history with 50 touchdowns. Morris played 14 seasons in the NFL and retired after the 1986 season at 38 years old.

Also Played For: syracuse orange football

47. Jumbo Elliott

Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXV)
  • Pro Bowl (1993)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1988)
  • 2× First-team All-American (1986, 1987)
  • 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1986, 1987)

Jumbo Elliott was an offensive tackle for the New York Giants and Jets from 1988 to 1995. He started all 16 games in his first year with the Giants but suffered a knee injury that ended his season prematurely.

The next year, he played in 14 games and helped lead the team to their second Super Bowl victory over Dallas Cowboys. In 1992, Jumbo led all linemen with 9 sacks while helping. 

New York reach the playoffs as well as their fourth Super Bowl appearance against Buffalo Bills which they lost 32-29 after leading 27-10 at halftime After two more years of solid play on offense for both teams, Elliott retired following the 2000 season at age 34 due to a neck injury sustained during training camp.

Since retiring from professional football, Jumbo has worked as an NFL analyst on various networks including Fox Sports 1 and ESPN 2 where he provides commentary on game film alongside analysts such as Herm Edwards and Cris Collinsworth On September 12th, 2017. 

It was announced that Jumbo had been hired by NBC Sports Philadelphia as an assistant coach under Head Coach Pat Shurmur Jumbo Elliott was a dominant defensive lineman for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1987 to 1990. 

He was named First-team All-American in both 1986 and 1987, becoming one of only two players ever to be so honored twice.

In 1988, he won the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football, while also being selected first-team All-America and First-team All-Big Ten by various organizations. 

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted him with their first pick in the 1991 NFL Draft and he played professionally for them until 1995 when he retired after playing in Super Bowl XXV against San Francisco 49ers. 

After his retirement from professional football, Elliott became an assistant coach at Florida International University before joining Urban Meyer's staff at Ohio State as Defensive Line Coach from 2006 to 2009 where he helped guide that defense to 3 consecutive Big Ten titles.

On January 10th, 2018 Jumbo Elliott was announced as the new Head Football Coach at Miami Dade College – his alma mater which is located just outside of Miami Gardens FL on South Dixie Highway.

48. Keith Hamilton

Career

  • New York Giants (1992–2003)

Keith Hamilton was a defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992-1997. He played in 116 games and recorded 36 sacks during his career. 

Hamilton is most well-known for his performance in the 1995 AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, where he registered two sacks and forced a fumble.

After retiring as a player, Hamilton became an assistant coach with the Steeler's practice squad from 1998-2000 before becoming their defensive line coach in 2001. 

In 2007, Hamilton was named head coach of the NFL's Carolina Panthers' scout team after spending one season as their offensive line coaching consultant.

On December 12th, 2016 Keith announced his retirement from coaching following 14 seasons at various levels of football including four years as Defensive Line Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

 Keith Hamilton played for the New York Giants from 1992-2003 and was a key member of their defense. He recorded 514 tackles, 63 sacks, and 14 fumble recoveries during his time in the NFL.

Keith Hamilton is one of only three players to have five consecutive seasons with at least 10 sacks (1995-2000). 

After retiring from football, he became a coach for the Giant's defensive line and served as their assistant head coach/defensive coordinator from 2007-2012 before being named the team's interim head coach after Ben McAdoo was fired in December 2016.

49. Al Blozis

Al Blozis Career

  • First-team All-Pro (1943)
  • NFL All-Star (1942)
  • NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor
  • New York Giants No. 32 retired

Al Blozis was an offensive tackle for the New York Giants during World War II.

He played in all 16 games for the team in 1942 and 1943, but his career was cut short when he died from a heart attack while playing against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 31, 1945.

Al Blozis was born in Garfield, New Jersey, on January 5, 1919. After high school, he attended Georgetown where he starred as a defensive lineman before turning to football at the NFL level. 

Al Blozis is remembered most fondly by Giants fans who remember him as one of their favorite players during his time with the team between 1942 and 1944.

His death at 26 only added to his legacy as a tough player and dedicated soldier-athlete Al Blozis was an all-pro cornerback for the New York Giants from 1942 to 1945. He helped lead the team to two NFL championships in 1944 and 1945. 

After his playing career ended, he served in the US Army during World War II and earned a Silver Star for his service.

Al Blozis is one of only six players in history to earn first-team All-Pro honors three times, and he was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Giants' Ring of Honor in 1980. He currently resides near Cleveland, Ohio, where he works as a radio analyst on local sports broadcasts.

50. Jason Pierre-Paul

Defensive end

Jason Pierre-Paul Career

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XLVI, LV)
  • First-team All-Pro (2011)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2020)
  • First-team All-American (2009)
  • First-team All-Big East (2009)

Jason Pierre-Paul was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010, and he has spent his entire career with them. Pierre-Paul is best known for his incredible sack totals – he's recorded at least 10 sacks in each of the past six seasons.

Pierre- Paul also holds several other NFL records, including the most forced fumbles (30) and most fumble recoveries (22). Injuries have been a problem for Jason over the course of his career, but he still managed to make an impact on many different playoff games during that time span.

At 34 years old, it's likely that Jason will retire after this season – if not sooner due to injuries. Jason Pierre-Paul was drafted by the New York Giants in 2010 and has since emerged as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. 

He was named to his first Pro Bowl team in 2011 and has been a key part of two Super Bowl victories for the Giants.

Pierre-Paul also won First Team All-American honors from The Sporting News in 2009, making him one of only three football players ever to achieve this honor at both collegiate and professional levels.

Jason Pierre-Paul is known for his strong pass coverage abilities, but he can also move quickly downfield on run plays if needed. In 2018, Jason Pierre-Paul signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending four seasons with the New York Giants.

Also Played For: nfl preseason, south florida bulls football defensive

51. Ray Flaherty

Ray Flaherty Career

  • NFL champion (1934)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1928, 1929, 1932)
  • NFL receiving yards leader (1932)
  • NFL receptions leader (1932)
  • NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1932)
  • New York Giants No. 1 retired

Ray Flaherty was an end for the Giants during their heyday in the 1930s and 1940s. He was a member of three World Series championships, winning in 1933, 1935 and 1954.

Flaherty also won two Gold Glove Awards, one as an outfielder and another as a catcher. After his playing career ended he served as a coach for several teams before ending his coaching career with the Giants organization in 1965.

Ray Flaherty passed away on July 19, 1994, at the age of 90 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for many years prior to his death Flaherty played football at Boston University and then spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Redskins, Giants, and Hornets.

Flaherty was a three-time First Team All-Pro player who led the league in receiving touchdowns twice (1932 and 1934) and receptions once (1932). 

He is one of only two coaches to win back-to-back Super Bowls, winning both with the Giants in 1987 and 1988. 

After retiring as a player, Flaherty became an assistant coach for Washington from 1969–1974 before taking over as head coach of Chicago in 1975 – his only full season in that position.

In 1990 he left coaching to become general manager of the Miami Dolphins but returned to coaching midway through his tenure there after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida football operations; he served until 1994 when he retired again due to health issues related to pancreatic cancer surgery.

Final Words

The New York Giants are a professional American football team with a long and proud history. They have some of the best players in NFL history, including Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., David Tyree, and Lawrence Taylor.

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John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

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