The greatest New York Giants players of all time reach back to the leather-helmet championship teams of the 1930s and 1950s and forward through four Super Bowl titles. This list honors one of the NFL's oldest franchises, from its Hall of Fame defensive legends to the quarterbacks and game-wreckers who delivered championships to New York.
1. Lawrence Taylor (LB · 1981-1993)
Widely considered the greatest defensive player in NFL history, Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position and the way offenses are built. He won Defensive Player of the Year three times, league MVP in 1986, and two Super Bowls.
2. Michael Strahan (DE · 1993-2007)
The franchise's all-time sacks leader, Strahan set the single-season NFL sack record in 2001 and won Defensive Player of the Year. He capped his Hall of Fame career with a Super Bowl XLII title over the undefeated Patriots.
3. Eli Manning (QB · 2004-2019)
A two-time Super Bowl MVP, Manning twice led the Giants past the Patriots in the title game. His clutch fourth-quarter play and durability made him the franchise's all-time passing leader over 16 seasons in New York.
4. Frank Gifford (HB · 1952-1964)
A versatile offensive star and the 1956 NFL MVP, Gifford helped deliver a championship that same year. He played halfback, flanker, and defensive back during his Hall of Fame career and became one of the faces of the franchise.
5. Sam Huff (LB · 1956-1963)
The prototype of the modern middle linebacker, Huff anchored the dominant Giants defenses of the late 1950s. His celebrated battles with the league's top runners made him a national star and a Hall of Famer.
6. Roosevelt Brown (OT · 1953-1965)
A 27th-round draft pick who became a dominant offensive tackle, Brown protected the Giants offense for 13 seasons. An eight-time All-Pro, he was a key blocker on the 1956 championship team and a Hall of Fame inductee.
7. Y.A. Tittle (QB · 1961-1964)
Tittle ignited the Giants offense in the early 1960s, throwing 36 touchdown passes in 1963 and earning back-to-back MVP awards. He led New York to three straight title games and reached the Hall of Fame in 1971.
8. Mel Hein (C · 1931-1945)
A two-way iron man who rarely left the field, Hein was named NFL MVP in 1938, a rare honor for a lineman. He played 15 seasons, won two championships, and was a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
9. Andy Robustelli (DE · 1956-1964)
The leader of the famed Giants defensive line, Robustelli was a relentless and intelligent pass rusher. He won a championship in his first season in New York and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1971.
10. Tiki Barber (RB · 1997-2006)
The franchise's all-time leading rusher, Barber developed into one of the most productive dual-threat backs of his era. He posted multiple 1,500-yard rushing seasons and was the engine of the Giants offense in the 2000s.
Honorable Mentions
Harry Carson (Hall of Fame linebacker, defensive captain), Emlen Tunnell (first Black Giant, Hall of Fame safety), Phil Simms (Super Bowl XXI MVP quarterback), Tuffy Leemans (1930s Hall of Fame back), Carl Banks (hard-hitting Super Bowl-era linebacker), Justin Tuck (two-time Super Bowl champion pass rusher), Osi Umenyiora (explosive edge rusher, two rings)
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