When it comes to honoring the legacy of the New York Giants, few lists carry as much weight as one compiled by NFL greats. Byron Jones, a respected voice in football circles, recently shared his personal top ten Giants of all time—a ranking that blends iconic dominance, historic contributions, and championship pedigree. From hard-hitting linebackers to legendary quarterbacks, Jones’ list is a celebration of Big Blue’s rich heritage.
Here’s a closer look at Byron Jones’ all-time top 10 New York Giants players:
1. Lawrence Taylor – Linebacker
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, Lawrence Taylor redefined the linebacker position. A two-time Super Bowl champion and 1986 NFL MVP, LT terrorized quarterbacks with his speed, power, and ferocity. His impact on the game goes far beyond stats—Taylor changed offensive schemes forever.
2. Emlen Tunnell – Defensive Back
A pioneer in more ways than one, Emlen Tunnell was the first African-American to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known for his incredible ball-hawking skills, Tunnell recorded 79 career interceptions, including 74 with the Giants, and helped the team capture the 1956 NFL Championship.
3. Roosevelt Brown – Offensive Tackle
Roosevelt Brown anchored the Giants’ offensive line for 13 seasons, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and a place in Canton. A dominant blocker in both the run and pass game, Brown was instrumental in protecting Giants quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs during the 1950s and 60s.
4. Eli Manning – Quarterback
Eli Manning will forever be remembered for his two Super Bowl MVP performances, both against the New England Patriots. Though never the flashiest, Manning’s clutch gene and durability made him a franchise icon. He sits atop the Giants’ all-time passing leaderboard and remains a beloved figure in New York sports history.
5. Frank Gifford – Running Back / Defensive Back
A true all-around athlete, Frank Gifford played multiple positions and starred on both sides of the ball. His MVP season in 1956 helped lead the Giants to a championship, and his versatility set the tone for future generations of hybrid players.
6. Michael Strahan – Defensive End
Michael Strahan was a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense for 15 seasons. The NFL’s single-season sack record holder (22.5), Strahan’s leadership culminated in a Super Bowl victory in 2007. Now a media personality, his legacy in New York is as large as his smile.
7. Harry Carson – Linebacker
The heart and soul of the Giants defense in the 70s and 80s, Harry Carson was a nine-time Pro Bowler and a Hall of Fame inductee. Known for his physical play and leadership, Carson helped set the stage for the Giants’ Super Bowl run in 1986.
8. Mel Hein – Center / Linebacker
Mel Hein played 15 seasons without missing a single game, a remarkable feat in any era. The only offensive lineman to ever win NFL MVP (1938), Hein was a dominant two-way player and a key figure during the Giants’ early years of success.
9. Sam Huff – Linebacker
A central figure in the rise of the modern middle linebacker, Sam Huff was the face of a dominant Giants defense in the 1950s. Known for his intense physical play and intelligence, Huff was a five-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer who helped elevate the linebacker position.
10. Phil Simms – Quarterback
Phil Simms led the Giants to their first Super Bowl title in 1986 and was named the game’s MVP after completing 88% of his passes—a Super Bowl record. Tough, steady, and resilient, Simms was a franchise QB who helped define an era of Giants football.
Honoring a Storied Legacy
Byron Jones’ selections offer a balanced look at greatness across different eras and positions. From the dynastic teams of the 1950s to the Super Bowl squads of the 80s and 2000s, this list reminds fans why the Giants remain one of the NFL’s most tradition-rich franchises. Whether you agree with the order or not, there’s no denying the legendary impact of these ten men in Giants blue.
