Plenty of great players have worn a Giants uniform during the franchise’s 94-year history. But who is the best player to wear each number?
As we wait for football to (hopefully) return, I decided to attempt to answer that question 99 times. Some were easy calls. Close your eyes and picture the No. 56 and odds are the image of Lawrence Taylor obliterating a quarterback comes into view. But others are less distinguished. Let’s put it this way: If wide receiver Corey Coleman has a halfway decent season, he could claim the top spot at No. 19.
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The criteria was simple: These are the best players at each position, not necessarily the most memorable or most famous. Accomplishments with other teams or after their playing days weren’t taken into consideration. Although this is about individual performance, contributing to championship teams helped determine some close calls.
(* — denotes retired numbers. The Giants have retired the jerseys of 12 players.)
1*: Ray Flaherty (1928-35)
Flaherty was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach, mostly due to his success with the Redskins. But he was a three-time All-Pro end in seven seasons with the Giants. The Giants retired Flaherty’s No. 1 jersey in 1935, making him the first professional athlete to have his number retired.
2: Raul Allegre (1986-91)
Allegre gets the nod at a number worn mostly by kickers in Giants history. He made one field goal and four extra points in Super Bowl XXI.
3: Pete Gogolak (1966-74)
Gogolak was inducted into the Giants’ Ring of Honor for a stellar nine-season run as the team’s kicker. Gogolak, who is credited with introducing soccer style placekicking, was one of the first players to be poached from the AFL. He remains the Giants’ all-time leading scorer (646 points).
4*: Tuffy Leemans (1936-43)
Not only does Leemans have the best name in Giants history, but he’s also the franchise’s best player to wear No. 4. Leemans led the team to three NFL Championship games (they won in 1938). The Hall of Famer’s versatility was impressive; he had 3,132 yards rushing, 2,318 yards passing and 422 yards receiving in his eight-year career.
5: Sean Landeta (1985-93)
This was a close call with quarterback Kerry Collins. The scales are almost always titled toward quarterbacks (especially when compared to punters), and Collins was a stabilizing force who led the Giants to the Super Bowl in 2000. But Landeta had more longevity with the Giants, garnered more accolades during his time in New York (three-time first-team All-Pro, 1980s All-Decade Team) and was on two Super Bowl winners.
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6: Ali Haji-Sheikh (1983-85)
Haji-Sheikh was an All-Pro as a rookie in 1983 when he made 35 field goals, which stood as the NFL record for the most in a season until 1996. A nagging hamstring injury prevented Haji-Sheikh from duplicating that success, and he lasted only three seasons with the Giants.
7*: Mel Hein (1931-45)
Hein starred at center and linebacker for 15 seasons. He was a first-team All-Pro eight straight seasons from 1933-40. He led the Giants to NFL Championships in 1934 and 1938, winning league MVP in 1938. The Hall of Famer was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
8: Matt Bryant (2002-03)
No. 8 isn’t a very distinguished number in Giants history. While the franchise hopes Daniel Jones changes that, for now, Bryant gets the nod for making 80 percent of his field goals in his two seasons with the Giants.
9: Lawrence Tynes (2007-12)
This came down to a pair of kickers with Super Bowl rings. Matt Bahr made 75 percent of his field goal attempts from 1990-92, winning a ring in Super Bowl XXV. Tynes made 84 percent of his field goal attempts in six seasons with the Giants, winning rings in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI. Tynes gets the edge due to his clutch kicks, highlighted by overtime game-winners in a pair of NFC Championship games.
10: Eli Manning (2004-19)
Fran Tarkenton spent most of his Hall of Fame career in Minnesota, but he made four Pro Bowls in his five seasons with the Giants. Brad Van Pelt was allowed to wear No. 10 as a linebacker because he was the Giants’ backup kicker as a rookie. He made five straight Pro Bowls from 1976-80. But the resumes of Tarkenton and Van Pelt don’t compare to that of Manning, who is one of five players in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowl MVP honors. Co-owner John Mara already announced that Manning’s No. 10 will be retired by the team.
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11*: Phil Simms (1979-93)
Simms had one of the greatest Super Bowl performances by a quarterback ever, completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the Giants’ win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XXI. Simms led the Giants to an 11-3 record in 1990 before suffering a broken foot that sidelined him through the team’s victory in Super Bowl XXV.
12: Steve Smith (2007-10)
Smith’s career was derailed by a knee injury in 2010, but his accomplishments in four seasons make him the team’s top No. 12. Smith set the franchise’s single-season record with 107 catches in 2009 to earn a Pro Bowl selection. He had five catches in the Giants’ win in Super Bowl XLII as a rookie.
13: Odell Beckham Jr. (2014-18)
Four-time Pro Bowl punter Dave Jennings had a strong hold on this spot until Beckham exploded onto the scene in 2014. Beckham’s production in his first three seasons was historic, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections to start his career. Beckham lasted five seasons in New York before a trade to the Browns in 2019, but he still ranks in the top five in franchise history in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
14**: Y.A. Tittle (1961-64)
The Giants retired No. 14 for two different players. Halfback Ward Cuff starred for the Giants from 1937-45, earning five All-Pro selections and winning one NFL Championship. The Giants unretired No. 14 when they traded for Tittle in 1961. Tittle only spent four seasons in New York, but he led the Giants to three straight NFL Championship games, was a three-time first-team All-Pro and was named league MVP in 1963. Tittle retired as the most prolific passer in NFL history, bolstering his Hall of Fame credentials with his late-career brilliance in New York.
15: Jeff Hostetler (1985-92)
Hostetler made just 25 starts in nine seasons with the Giants mostly spent as Simms’ backup. But Hostetler made the most of his biggest opportunity, taking over for an injured Simms late in the 1990 season and leading the Giants to a win in Super Bowl XXV.
16*: Frank Gifford (1952-64)
Gifford was the brightest star during a golden era of Giants football. The Hall of Fame halfback made eight Pro Bowls in his 13-year career and was named league MVP in 1956 when the Giants won the NFL Championship.
17: Plaxico Burress (2005-08)
Burress was the best free-agent signing in franchise history, giving Manning a No. 1 receiver early in the quarterback’s career. Burress had two 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years in New York and raised his game on the biggest stage, catching the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLII. His Giants’ career came to an abrupt end after he accidentally shot himself in a New York City nightclub in 2008.
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18: Jeff Feagles (2003-09)
Feagles wore No. 18 for five of his seven seasons with the Giants (he wore No. 10 until Manning was drafted in 2004). The reliable Feagles was the punter for the Super Bowl XLII team and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2008.
19: Gary Wood (1964-66, 1968-69)
How slim are the pickings at No. 19? Wood, a quarterback who went 1-8 in nine starts over five seasons in the 1960s, is the best option.
20: Jimmy Patton (1955-66)
There’s a case to be made for running back Joe Morris, who made a pair of Pro Bowls and was a key contributor on the Super Bowl XXI team. But Patton gets the nod as a first-team All-Pro for five straight seasons at safety from 1958-62, while winning an NFL Championship in 1956.
(Focus on Sport / Getty Images)
21: Tiki Barber (1997-2006)
Saquon Barkley is aiming for all of the Giants rushing records, but it won’t be easy to claim them since Barber set the bar so high. Barber topped 1,000 yards rushing six times in his 10-year career, retiring at 31 after topping 2,000 yards from scrimmage in three straight seasons. Barber’s 10,449 career rushing yards rank 27th all-time.
22: Dick Lynch (1959-66)
Before spending four decades as a color analyst for Giants radio broadcasts, Lynch recorded 35 interceptions in eight seasons with the team. He twice led the NFL in interceptions and was named a first-team All-Pro in 1963.
23: Corey Webster (2005-13)
Webster and Perry Williams were the top contenders for this spot, which is fitting since they had similar careers. Webster had 20 interceptions and won two Super Bowl rings in nine seasons with the Giants. Williams had 18 interceptions and won two Super Bowl rings in 10 seasons with the Giants from 1984-93. Webster gets the edge in a coin flip due to his overtime interception in the 2007 NFC Championship Game to set up the game-winning field goal.
24: Ottis Anderson (1986-92)
There were some other solid players who wore No. 24 — running back Tucker Frederickson and cornerback Terry Jackson — but Anderson’s status is elevated by his MVP performance in Super Bowl XXV. The running back also scored a touchdown in the Giants’ win in Super Bowl XXI.
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25: Mark Collins (1986-93)
Collins started 104 games at cornerback over eight seasons for the Giants. He won two Super Bowl rings and was named a first-team All-Pro in 1989.
26: Antrel Rolle (2010-14)
Barkley will take over as the franchise’s top No. 26 if his young career continues on its current track, but Rolle has the claim for now. Signed as a free agent in 2010, Rolle made two Pro Bowls in his five seasons with the Giants, and the safety was a leader on the Super Bowl XLVI team.
27: Rodney Hampton (1990-97)
Brandon Jacobs had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons and won two Super Bowls in his eight seasons with the Giants, but Hampton was the more productive back. A two-time Pro Bowler, Hampton had five straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 1991-95 and won a ring in Super Bowl XXV.
28: Beasley Reece (1977-83)
The Giants have had some solid but unspectacular No. 28s — Reese, Gibril Wilson and Everson Walls. Reece started 69 games and had 11 interceptions in seven seasons with the Giants.
29: Alex Webster (1955-64)
Webster earned two Pro Bowl selections in 10 seasons as a fullback. He was the second-leading rusher behind Gifford on the 1956 NFL Championship team.
30: Ron Johnson (1970-75)
A two-time Pro Bowler, Johnson topped 1,000 yards rushing twice in six seasons with the Giants. Johnson edged out David Meggett, who was a one-time All-Pro as a returner in six seasons with the Giants.
31: Jason Sehorn (1994-2002)
Sehorn was on the verge of stardom before suffering a major knee injury in the 1998 preseason. Sehorn combined for 11 interceptions in the two seasons before the injury and then had just eight interceptions in the four seasons after his injury. Still, his brief peak was exceptional.
32*: Al Blozis (1942-44)
This number was taken out of circulation early in the franchise’s history, as the Giants retired No. 32 after Blozis died while fighting in World War II. Blozis was an All-Pro offensive tackle in his second season before his death a year later.
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33: Mel Triplett (1955-60)
Triplett was part of a three-headed rushing attack with Gifford and Webster. Triplett rushed for 2,289 in his six seasons with the Giants and was a key member of the 1956 NFL Championship team.
34: Don Chandler (1956-64)
Chandler was the Giants’ kicker and punter for nine seasons, punting for the 1956 NFL Champions. He was selected as the punter for the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
35: Kevin Dockery (2006-09)
Dockery was mostly a backup defensive back in his four seasons with the Giants, earning a ring from Super Bowl XLII. His four career interceptions for New York were enough to claim this spot in a lean group.
36: Mark Haynes (1980-85)
Haynes earned three Pro Bowl selections in six seasons as a cornerback for the Giants.
37: James Butler (2005-08)
This was a coin flip between Butler and Jesse Campbell. Campbell had five interceptions in five seasons with the Giants from 1992-96. Butler had six interceptions in four seasons with the Giants. Butler gets the nod since he was a starting safety for the Super Bowl XLII team.
38: Bob Tucker (1970-77)
Tucker’s 4,376 career receiving yards are more than any tight end in Giants history. He added 327 catches in eight seasons with the team.
39: Larry Csonka (1976-78)
Csonka built his Hall of Fame credentials on the legendary Dolphins teams of the early 1970s. The fullback didn’t have much left in the tank when he signed with the Giants in 1976, but he rushed for 1,344 yards in three seasons in New York.
40*: Joe Morrison (1959-72)
The versatile Morrison had 7,467 yards from scrimmage, 719 return yards and two interceptions in a 14-year career with the Giants. His No. 40 was retired after his final game in 1972.
41: Willie Williams (1965, 1967-73)
Williams spent eight seasons with the Giants, leading the NFL with 10 interceptions in 1968 and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1969.
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42*: Charlie Conerly (1948-61)
Conerly played quarterback for the Giants for 14 seasons. He was named league MVP in 1959, made two Pro Bowls and led the Giants to the 1956 NFL Championship.
43: Spider Lockhart (1965-75)
Lockhart was a bright spot during a dark period for the Giants. The team didn’t make the playoffs during his 11-year career, but Lockhart made two Pro Bowls and recorded 41 career interceptions.
44: Kyle Rote (1951-61)
Younger fans may be partial to running Ahmad Bradshaw, who had a pair of 1,000-yard seasons and won two Super Bowls. But Rote had a more distinguished career. The first pick in the 1951 draft, Rote made four Pro Bowls as a halfback/receiver and was part of the 1956 NFL Championship team during his 11-year career.
(Robert Riger / Getty Images)
45: Emlen Tunnell (1948-58)
Homer Jones was a prolific receiver for the Giants from 1964-69, with three 1,000-yard seasons and a 22.6-yards per catch average, which is the highest in NFL history. But that resume doesn’t top Tunnell’s. Tunnell, who became the Giants’ first Black player in 1948, made eight Pro Bowls and won an NFL Championship in 11 seasons with the team before becoming the first Black player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His 79 career interceptions rank second in league history. Tunnell earned a spot on the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Inexplicably, Tunnell’s No. 45 isn’t among the Giants’ retired numbers.
46: Mike Dennis (1980-83)
Dennis had six interceptions in four seasons with the Giants.
47: Greg Jackson (1989-93)
Jackson had 14 interceptions in five seasons with the Giants. He was the starting strong safety for the Super Bowl XXV team, recording five interceptions and four sacks during the 1990 season.
48: Kenny Hill (1984-88)
Hill started at safety for the Giants for five seasons, recording six interceptions and winning a ring in Super Bowl XXI.
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49: Tom Landry (1950-55)
Better known as the Cowboys’ Hall of Fame coach (after serving as the Giants’ defensive coordinator for six seasons), Landry was the Giants’ punter for six seasons, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1954. He also had 32 career interceptions as a defensive back, serving as a player/assistant in his final two seasons in a sign of things to come in his second career.
50*: Ken Strong (1933-47)
Strong was a four-time first-team All-Pro in eight seasons as a halfback and kicker for the Giants. The Hall of Famer was named to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team.
51: Zak DeOssie (2007-19)
DeOssie made two Pro Bowls as a long snapper, winning two Super Bowl rings during 13 seasons with the Giants.
52: Pepper Johnson (1986-92)
This is a tough generational divide debate. John Cannady played linebacker for the Giants from 1947-54, earning two Pro Bowl selections. Johnson played linebacker for the Giants from 1986-92, winning two Super Bowls and earning a first-team All-Pro selection in 1990.
53: Harry Carson (1976-88)
The Hall of Famer spent his entire 13-year career with the Giants. The run-stuffer was a nine-time Pro Bowler and part of two dominant linebacking corps. He was a leader of the Super Bowl XXI team.
54: Olivier Vernon (2016-18)
Vernon may not have lived up to the $85 million contract he signed with the Giants, but he’s still the franchise’s top No. 54. He had 22 sacks in three seasons with the Giants, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2016 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.
55: Steve Owen (1926-33)
This might be the deepest field at any number. Ray Wietecha made four Pro Bowls as the Giants’ center from 1953-62. Brian Kelley, a starter for the Giants from 1973-83, was overshadowed by fellow linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson. Gary Reasons succeeded Kelley and was a solid starter from 1984-91, winning two Super Bowl rings. Despite those resumes, Owen garners top billing for being a two-way star for the Giants for eight seasons. He was voted to the NFL 1920s All-Decade Team and then became a Hall of Famer after winning two NFL Championships as the Giants’ coach from 1930-53.
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56*: Lawrence Taylor (1981-93)
The easiest call on this list. Arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history, Taylor has a strong case as the best player to wear No. 56 for any team in any sport.
57: Corey Miller (1991-97)
Miller was a solid linebacker for the Giants for seven seasons, starting 70 games and recording 14 sacks.
58: Carl Banks (1984-92)
Another great linebacker from the 1980s, Banks made only one Pro Bowl in his 12-year career (nine seasons with the Giants) but was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Banks won two rings with the Giants, recording 14 tackles in Super Bowl XXI.
59: Brian Williams (1989-99)
Williams spent his entire 11-year career with the Giants, taking over as the center in 1994 and starting 56 games over the next four seasons.
60: Shaun O’Hara (2004-10)
This was a tough call between O’Hara and Brad Benson. Benson started 123 games on the Giants offensive line between 1978-87. He made the Pro Bowl in 1986 as the left tackle for the Super Bowl XXI champs. O’Hara won a narrow decision due to his three Pro Bowl selections while serving as the Giants center for seven seasons, winning a ring in Super Bowl XLII.
61: Chris Godfrey (1984-87)
This is a toss-up between Godfrey and Bob Kratch. Kratch started 34 games at guard for the Giants from 1990-93, winning a ring in Super Bowl XXV. Godfrey started 45 games at guard for the Giants from 1984-87, winning a ring in Super Bowl XXI. Godfrey gets the slight edge because he started his Super Bowl, while Kratch was a backup.
62: Darrell Dess (1959-64, 1966-69)
Dess earned Pro Bowl selections at guard in 1962 and 1963.
63: Doug Van Horn (1968-79)
Van Horn was a good player on some bad teams. He started 153 games on the offensive line for the Giants for 12 seasons.
64: Jim Burt (1981-88)
John Mendenhall was a solid defensive tackle for the Giants from 1972-79, but he gets edged by Burt, who was a solid defensive tackle for the Giants for eight seasons. Burt made the Pro Bowl in 1986 and won a Super Bowl ring in New York.
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65: Bart Oates (1985-93)
Ron Stone made a pair of Pro Bowls while playing right guard for the Giants from 1996-01, but he gets topped by Oates, who was a three-time Pro Bowl center during nine seasons with the Giants. Oates was the anchor of the offensive lines that won Super Bowls XXI and XXV.
66: Jack Stroud (1953-64)
This is another number with a close competition between similar players. David Diehl was a versatile offensive lineman for the Giants from 2003-13, earning one Pro Bowl selection and two Super Bowl rings. William Roberts was a starting offensive lineman for the Giants from 1984-94, earning one Pro Bowl selection and two Super Bowl rings. Stroud gets the nod, however, after starting on the Giants offensive line for 12 seasons. He made three Pro Bowls and won an NFL Championship.
67: Kareem McKenzie (2005-11)
McKenzie narrowly edged Billy Ard, who started 106 games at left guard for the Giants from 1981-88 and won a Super Bowl ring. McKenzie started 105 games at right tackle for the Giants in seven seasons, winning two Super Bowl rings.
68: J.T. Turner (1977-83)
Turner started 86 games at guard for the Giants in seven seasons, which was enough to claim the top spot at a thin number.
69: Willie Young (1966-75)
Rich Seubert was a fan favorite for his toughness, overcoming a major leg injury to start 62 games at guard from 2007-10, winning a Super Bowl ring in the process. But Young was a more accomplished player, starting 119 games at left tackle for the Giants over 10 seasons.
70: Sam Huff (1956-63)
Defensive end Leonard Marshall had an excellent career, earning two Pro Bowl selections and winning two Super Bowls in his 10 seasons with the Giants. But Huff is a Hall of Fame linebacker who made four Pro Bowls in his eight seasons with the Giants. Huff was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team.
71: Bob Lurtsema (1967-71)
Nicknamed “Benchwarmer Bob,” Lurtsema actually started 55 games on the defensive line in five seasons with the Giants. That’s more than can be said for the other No. 71s in Giants history.
(Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)
72: Osi Umenyiora (2003-12)
Umenyiora made two Pro Bowls during 10 seasons with the Giants. The defensive end was a major part of a dominant pass rush that led the Giants to wins in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.
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73: Arnie Weinmeister (1950-53)
Weinmeister was a first-team All-Pro in each of his four seasons with the Giants. The defensive tackle was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite playing just six seasons.
74: Erik Howard (1986-94)
Howard won two Super Bowls and made one Pro Bowl during his nine seasons at nose tackle for the Giants. Howard’s forced fumble late in the 1990 NFC Championship Game propelled the Giants to Super Bowl XXV.
75: Jim Katcavage (1956-68)
This was one of the toughest decisions. George Martin was a standout defensive end for the Giants from 1975-88, earning a spot in the team’s Ring of Honor. Keith Hamilton earned an All-Pro selection in 2000 when he recorded 10 sacks in the best season of his 12-year run with the Giants. But Katcavage was the Giants’ most accomplished No. 75, earning three All-Pro selections during 13 seasons with the team. Katcavage was a fearsome pass-rushing defensive tackle, but sacks weren’t an official stat during his playing career.
76: Chris Snee (2004-13)
Snee narrowly edged Rosey Grier, a defensive tackle who was a three-time All-Pro during his time with the Giants from 1955-62. Snee was the best offensive lineman on two Super Bowl champions, earning four Pro Bowl selections during a 10-season run with the Giants.
77: Dick Modzelewski (1956-63)
Modzelewski was a starting defensive tackle for stellar Giants teams over eight seasons. He was part of the 1956 NFL Championship team.
78: Al DeRogatis (1949-52)
A knee injury ended DeRogatis’ career after just four seasons, but the defensive tackle earned two Pro Bowl selections.
79: Rosey Brown (1953-65)
Brown is one of the greatest left tackles in NFL history, earning nine Pro Bowl selections in 13 seasons with the Giants. The Hall of Famer was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
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80: Jeremy Shockey (2002-07)
No. 80 was one of the rare battles between two recent players. It would be easy to pick Victor Cruz, the unheralded wide receiver who catapulted to stardom. Cruz had a remarkable stretch from 2011-13, averaging 80 catches, 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns during those three seasons. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012 and was a key piece of the Super Bowl XLVI team, but a series of injuries cut his career short. Shockey also had an abbreviated tenure in New York, as he was traded in 2008 after six seasons. Notwithstanding a messy divorce, Shockey was a game-changing tight end, earning four Pro Bowl selections. He ranks as one of the Giants’ most productive tight ends.
81: Andy Robustelli (1956-64)
Amani Toomer holds the Giants career records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns after a stellar career from 1996-2008. But he doesn’t top Robustelli, the Hall of Fame defensive end who made five Pro Bowls in nine seasons with the Giants, winning an NFL Championship in 1956.
82: Ray Poole (1947-52)
There were a wide range of similar candidates at No. 82. Wide receivers Mario Manningham and Mark Ingram each had a few productive seasons for the Giants and each made crucial catches in Super Bowl wins. But Poole gets the nod for playing offensive and defensive end as well as kicking for the Giants for six seasons. Poole earned one Pro Bowl selection in a career that was delayed by three years due to service in World War II.
83: Otto Schnellbacher (1950-51)
Schnellbacher only played for the Giants for two seasons, but the defensive back made the Pro Bowl in both seasons.
84: Zeke Mowatt (1983-89, 1991)
Mowatt was overshadowed playing alongside Mark Bavaro for most of his seven seasons with the Giants, but the tight end had a solid career. Mowatt caught a touchdown pass in the Giants’ Super Bowl XXI win.
85: Del Shofner (1961-67)
David Tyree’s “Helmet Catch” in Super Bowl XLII is the greatest play in franchise history, but the wide receiver only had 54 catches in his six seasons with the Giants. Shofner may have lacked Tyree’s heroics, but he was a far more accomplished player. The split end made three Pro Bowls in seven seasons with the Giants, earning a spot on the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
86: Lionel Manuel (1984-90)
Manuel was a steady receiver during his seven seasons with the Giants. He was the team’s leading receiver in 1988 with 65 catches for 1,029 yards.
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87: Howard Cross (1989-2001)
Cross never had more than 31 catches in any of his 13 seasons with the Giants, but he was one of the best blocking tight ends in the game.
88: Aaron Thomas (1962-70)
Two productive receivers — Ike Hillard and Hakeem Nicks — wore No. 88 within the past 20 years, while Pat Summerall wore the number as the Giants kicker from 1958-61 before becoming a legendary announcer. Thomas may not have the same name recognition, but the tight end was the best player to wear No. 88 for the Giants. He made the Pro Bowl in 1964 and led the league with a 23.4 yards per catch average in 1965.
89: Mark Bavaro (1985-91)
Bavaro’s stats don’t jump off the page — he ranks 13th in receptions, 18th in receiving yards and 11th in touchdown receptions in franchise history. But he’s one of the franchise’s most beloved players for gritty style of play, best exemplified when he seemingly carried the entire 49ers defense on a 31-yard catch-and-run during a Monday Night Football game in 1986. Bavaro made two Pro Bowls and was the most valuable receiver on two Super Bowl winners.
90: Jason Pierre-Paul (2010-17)
Pierre-Paul’s tenure is somewhat underappreciated. His 58.5 sacks in eight seasons is only two fewer than Justin Tuck, who spent nine years in New York. Pierre-Paul made two Pro Bowls, including the 2011 season when he had 16.5 sacks for the Super Bowl XLVI team. Pierre-Paul, who was traded in 2018, could have been even more productive if not for the 2015 fireworks accident that severely damaged his right hand.
91: Justin Tuck (2005-13)
Tuck made two Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowl rings during his nine seasons with the Giants. Tuck had four sacks in his two Super Bowl appearances, and had a strong case for the Super Bowl XLII MVP award that went to Manning.
92: Michael Strahan (1993-2007)
Strahan spent his entire 15-year career with the Giants, riding into the sunset with a ring in Super Bowl XLII. He made seven Pro Bowls and twice led the league in sacks, including an NFL record 22.5 sacks in 2001. No one has worn No. 92 since Strahan retired and the Hall of Famer announced in January that the team is planning to officially retire his jersey.
93: Mike Fox (1990-94)
Fox was a solid defensive lineman for the Giants for five seasons, winning Super Bowl XXV as a rookie.
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94: Mathias Kiwanuka (2006-14)
Michael Brooks had a higher peak with the Giants, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 1993. But the linebacker spent only three seasons with the Giants. Kiwanuka was a complementary piece on some strong defenses, shifting between defensive end and outside linebacker throughout his career. Kiwanuka had 38.5 sacks in a nine-year career spent exclusively with the Giants, winning two Super Bowl rings in the process. Kiwanuka wore No. 97 for his first three seasons before switching to No. 94.
95: Johnathan Hankins (2013-16)
The Giants didn’t distribute jerseys in the 90s before 1980, so that shrinks the field. Hankins, who had 10 sacks in four seasons with the Giants, stands out among a limited set of options.
96: Barry Cofield (2006-10, 2015)
Similar to Hankins, Cofield was a solid defensive lineman who had no real challengers for the top spot here. Cofield started nearly every game during his first stint with the Giants, winning a ring in Super Bowl XLII.
97: Robert Harris (1995-99)
A group of similar defensive linemen wore No. 97. Harris’ productivity as a pass rusher (24 sacks in five seasons) gives him the edge over Cornelius Griffin and Linval Joseph.
98: Jessie Armstead (1993-2001)
Armstead continued the Giants’ line of strong linebackers, earning five Pro Bowl selections during his nine seasons with the team.
99: Chris Canty (2009-12)
This number is a coin flip between a pair of former Cowboys who helped the Giants win Super Bowls. Steve DeOssie signed with the Giants in 1989, spending five seasons in New York as a linebacker/long snapper and winning a ring in Super Bowl XXV. The slight edge goes to Canty, who signed with the Giants in 2009 and was a starting defensive tackle for four seasons, winning a ring in Super Bowl XLVI.
(Top photo of Tittle in 1963: Focus on Sport / Getty Images)
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