by Jonathan Storti
Team origins: The New York Giants were founded by Tim Mara in 1925, and have been in the Mara family ever since. In the franchise’s early years, the team went by the New York Football Giants, to distinguish them with the baseball team in the same city. The two teams both played in New York City’s famed Polo Grounds. Eventually the baseball Giants moved to San Francisco and the “football” moniker was unnecessary. The Giants played in one of the most important games in football history in 1958. The 1958 NFL Championship game broke TV viewing barriers, and pioneered football as a dominant sport in America. The Giants have been playing for over 80 years which has made them synonymous with pro football.
Famous players: Lawrence Taylor – Perhaps the most dominating defensive player of all-time. Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position by terrorizing the quarterback on blitzes. Taylor went to ten pro bowls and won two Super Bowls. What’s more amazing is that Taylor was recreationally using cocaine for most of the 1980’s and was still the most productive player in the league.
Frank Gifford- Before he was married to Kathy Lee, Frank was an all-star running-back for the Giants during the 1950s and 1960s. The California native was an eight time pro bowler, at three different positions. After football Gifford joined ABC’s Monday Night Football, as a commentator.
Sam Huff- Middle linebacker for the Giants during the 1950s and 1960s, he became the force behind the Giants tough defense. Huff went to five pro bowls, and helped pioneer the 4-3 defense. This defense had four defensive linemen and three linebackers; Huff excelled in the middle linebacker position in the 4-3 formation.
All-time great games: Super Bowl XLII was supposed to be the coronation of a perfect New England Patriots season, until someone told the New York Giants. Behind a punishing defense led by Michael Strahan, the Giants pressured Tom Brady the entire game. Late in the 4th quarter the Giants were down four and running out of opportunities. Suddenly Eli Manning broke out of a sure sack, and delivered the ball to David Tyree who made an unbelievable catch. Eli continued the drive and connected with Plaxico Burress for the game winning touchdown. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl and the Patriots finished their season 18-1. The victory only heated the already blazing rivalry between New York and Boston.
League Identity: Nicknamed the G-men, the Giants have a strong fan base, and have seen success throughout much of the franchise’s history. During the 1950s and 1960s the Giants regularly competed for league championships. In the 1980s head coach Bill Parcells led the Giants to two Super Bowls and unleashed Lawrence Taylor on unsuspecting quarterbacks. For decades the Giants have had tough, bruising defenses that left their opponents battered. Playing in the Meadowlands is an advantage in itself. During the winter, temperatures drop dramatically and the field is just astro-turf, not real grass. The addition of Eli Manning brought Super Bowl hopes back to the Big Apple. Manning has already led the Giants to one Super Bowl victory and the Giants are now a perennial threat.
A pretty funny video: New York Giants FTW!!!!
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