Our Ten All-Time Favorite New York Giants [LIST]
As the New York Giants prepare to meet the New England Patriots this Sunday at Super Bowl XLVI, the Townsquare Media staff has compiled a list of some of our all-time favorite New York Giants.
What do you think of the list? Did we miss your favorite player? Let us know in the comment section at the bottom of the article.
Jason Sehorn
Cornerback (1994-2002)Sehorn made a name for himself by being the only white starting cornerback in the NFL and proved to be a tough defensive back. After suffering a knee injury and undergoing ACL and MCL surgery in 1998, Sehorn continued to play professional, finishing his career with the St. Louis Rams in 2003.
Harry Carson
Inside Linebacker (1976-1988)Carson spent 13 seasons with the Giants and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. Carson was a member of the “Big Blue Wrecking Crew” defense that helped the team win a Super Bowl Championship in 1987. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.
Mark Bavaro
Tight End (1985-1990)A lesser known player to non-Giants fan, Bavaro is hailed among Big Blue supporters for his tough style of play and his great blocking and receiving. Bavaro helped lead the Giants to two Super Bowl titles and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection as a Giant.
Y.A. Tittle
Quarterback (1961-1964)Tittle was an early Giants quarterback who previously played for the Baltimore Colts and the San Francisco 49ers before finishing his career in New York. As a Giant, Tittle threw 86 touchdown passes from 1961 to 1963 including 36 in the 1963 season, a record at the time. A 1964 photo of Tittle on his knees in the endzone is widely considered one of the most iconic images in sports.
Michael Strahan
Defensive End (1993-2007)Michael Strahan spent his entire career as a New York Giant, where he instilled fear in the hearts of offenses throughout the league. He set the record for single season sacks with 22.5 and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl in his final season in 2007.
Frank Gifford
Halfback, Wide Receiver (1952-1964)Gifford was a rarity when he started his career with the Giants, playing on both offense and defense. During his career with the team, Gifford amassed 3,609 rushing yards and 5,434 receiving yards for 77 touchdowns. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection.
Phil Simms
Quarterback (1979-1993)Simms led the Giants throughout their legendary run in the 1980s which included two Super Bowl championships. By the time he retired, Simms had thrown for 33,462 yards. Coach Bill Parcells paid Simms the ultimate compliment during the 1987 Super Bowl, saying that it “might be the best game a quarterback has ever played.” Simms went on to a broadcasting career and now provides commentary on CBS.
Eli Manning
Quarterback (2004-Present)Manning has spent his Giants career disproving criticism about his status in the NFL. Accused of not being an elite, franchise quarterback, he has remained humble and focused. Stepping out from his brother Peyton's shadow, Manning led the Giants to an amazing Super Bowl victory over the Patriots in 2007 and hopes to do the same this year.
Emlen Tunnell
Defensive Back (1948-1958)Tunnell was the African American to play for the Giants and spent 11 years with the team before finishing his career with the Green Bay Packers, whose new coach Vince Lombardi brought him on to instill his trademark style of tenacious play in the Green Bay defense. By the time he retired, Tunnell had a then-record 79 interceptions and was the first African American player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Lawrence Taylor
Linebacker (1981-1983)Taylor is the quintessential Giant. A defensive force nobody could reckon with, Taylor is largely considered one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the NFL. His style of play was considered game-changing and he remains the benchmark by which other defensive backs are compared. While Taylor's personal and legal problems often make headlines, his legacy on the field remains unscathed.