Football History

The New York Giants, one of the NFL's most storied franchises, boast a rich history filled with remarkable players and unforgettable moments. Central to this legacy are the retired jersey numbers that honor the exceptional contributions of some of the greatest athletes to ever wear a Giants uniform. Each of these numbers represents not just a player, but a chapter in the team's history, reflecting the skill, dedication, and leadership that have defined the Giants' success over the decades.

In this series of posts, we will delve into the significance of each retired number, exploring the careers and achievements of the legendary players they represent. From the stalwart linemen who anchored the Giants’ defenses to the dynamic quarterbacks and fearless wide receivers who electrified the crowd, each jersey number retired by the franchise tells a story of excellence and heroism.

We will examine the key moments and contributions of these iconic figures, shedding light on how their performances helped shape the Giants' identity and their storied tradition of winning. Additionally, we'll provide insight into the impact these players had on the game itself, influencing not only their team but also the NFL at large.

Join us as we celebrate the heroes of Giants' history through the numbers that have become symbols of greatness. This series will offer a deeper appreciation for the individuals who have elevated the franchise and left an indelible mark on the sport of football.

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Miami anymore:

-Jersey Number 1
Ray Flaherty 1928–1935

-Jersey Number 4
Tuffy Leemans 1936–1943

-Jersey Number 7
Mel Hein 1931–1945

-Jersey Number 10
Eli Manning 2004–2019

-Jersey Number 11
Phil Simms 1979–1993

-Jersey Number 14
Ward Cuff 1937–1945
Y. A. Tittle 1961–1964

-Jersey Number 16
Frank Gifford 1952–1964

-Jersey Number 32
Al Blozis 1942–1944

-Jersey Number 40
Joe Morrison 1959–1972

-Jersey Number 42
Charlie Conerly 1948–1961

-Jersey Number 50
Ken Strong 1936–1947

-Jersey Number 56
Lawrence Taylor 1981–1993

-Jersey Number 92
Michael Strahan 1993–2007

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What NFL franchise(s) has/have the most retired jersey numbers? The Chicago Bears and the New York Giants each lead the league with 14 different numbers retired. They have to duplicate when 90-man rosters are in effect.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

The number 4 on an NFL jersey might not scream "superstar" at first glance. But dig a little deeper, and you'll discover a rich history filled with legendary quarterbacks, clutch kickers, and some surprising stories! This series delves into the fascinating careers of the men who wore number 4, exploring their on-field dominance, iconic moments, and lasting impact on the game.

Who will you find under the number 4 spotlight? Prepare to be surprised by a diverse group of players, from modern-day gunslingers like Dak Prescott to clutch kickers like Morten Andersen. We'll revisit the eras they dominated, the plays that etched their names in history, and the legacies they left behind.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this series has something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate the iconic athletes who wore number 4, the unforgettable moments they created, and their unique contributions to the ever-evolving game of football.

Brett Favre's NFL career wasn't a neatly scripted narrative. It was a rollercoaster ride of audacious throws, improbable victories, and a sprinkle of controversy – all fueled by an undeniable passion for the game. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991, Favre's legend truly began with the Green Bay Packers in 1992.

Initially viewed as a raw talent, Favre blossomed under coach Mike Holmgren. His gunslinger mentality, characterized by deep throws and improvisational brilliance, captivated fans. He wasn't afraid to take risks, often extending plays with his scrambling ability and delivering pinpoint passes on the run. This gunslinger style led to both highlight-reel moments and interceptions, but it undeniably kept defenses honest.

Favre's tenure with the Packers was nothing short of remarkable. He led them to two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots. He shattered numerous NFL records, including most career passing yards and touchdowns, both of which have since been surpassed by quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

However, Favre's story doesn't end in Green Bay. A messy public divorce from the Packers organization in 2008 led him to the New York Jets and ultimately the Minnesota Vikings. While his peak years were behind him, Favre's competitive fire remained. He revitalized the Vikings offense and nearly led them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2009.

Favre's legacy is complex. He is admired for his exceptional talent, leadership, and sheer love for the game. However, his gunslinger mentality sometimes resulted in costly mistakes, and his later-career decisions raised questions about his commitment.

Despite the complexities, Brett Favre's impact on the NFL is undeniable. He redefined the quarterback position with his aggressive style, leaving an indelible mark on the game and inspiring a generation of gunslingers.

Born June 11, 1902, in Willow River, Minnesota, was Ernie "Big Dog" Nevers the Stanford University fullback from 1923 to 1925. He was an All-American according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and excelled at basketball and baseball as well as football. Nevers gained national attention on New Year's Day 1925 at the Rose Bowl.

Ernie and his Cardinal teammates were matched against the powerful Notre Dame Fighting Irish squad that featured the 7 Mules, the Four Horsemen backfield and a legendary coach in Knute Rockne. Ernie’s performance was memorable and courageous as he was only five days removed from having a cast removed on a broken ankle, and with his foot bound tightly in a brace, Nevers dominated the game. Nevers established a Rose Bowl record with 34 carries as he gained 114 yards, only 13 less than the combined total for Notre Dame's legendary backfield. His brilliance in the contest did not stop there as Nevers averaged 42 yards punting as a bonus.

Unfortunately for the Cardinal faithful, the Irish were just a bit too much as Stanford fell 27-10. The FootballFoundation.org bio of Nevers goes on to say that Hall of Fame coach Glenn "Pop" Warner, who coached Nevers and the legendary Jim Thorpe picked Nevers over Thorpe as his personal choice as the "greatest football player of all time." In 1969, Nevers was named to Football's All-Time Team, which was part of college football's Centennial celebration. Big Dog was Stanford's captain in 1925 when he led a 24-17 upset of arch rival California. He handled the ball on all but three offensive plays as Stanford posted its first win over Cal in eight seasons.

Ernie Nevers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971. His bio on the ProFootballHOF.com explains that after college Nevers signed pro basketball and baseball contracts and, in fact, was destined to throw two homerun pitches to Babe Ruth in his historic 60-home run season in 1927. But pro football also beckoned. In 1926, the Duluth Eskimos convinced Nevers to join their ranks over lucrative offers of the other sports. The Eskimos had a unique existence as they played all but one of their games on the road during Never’s time there. Ernie reportedly played all but 29 of a possible 1,740 minutes in 29 games as a running back, kicker & quarterback. He got hurt and that fact forced him to miss the 1928 season but he came back with a vengeance in 1929 with a new team the Chicago Cardinals. He stayed with the Cards for a few seasons and was even coaching the squad during the 1930 and 1931 seasons. His biggest pro game was with Chicago in 1929 against their cross town rivals the Bears on Thanksgiving Day when Nevers scored all 40 of the Cardinals points in a Red Bird romp 40-7. Check out more on Ernie Nevers with our friend Joe Ziemba on the Sports History Network and in his great book, When Football Was Football. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined the Big Dog Ernie Nevers in 1963.

Our subject player in this edition is a Pro Football Hall of Fame multi-faceted talent of the New York Giants. Born Alphonse Emil Leemans on November 12, 1912, by his admission, he would have accepted any nickname to be recognized on the gridiron. The handle came about when Leemans was a kid, as he often played tackle football on the sandlots with older, bigger kids and was not afraid of the riggers of the more prominent, stronger players. You had to be tough to play with them as a little guy. Thus, Tuffy was an apt description of the ambitious youngster. The name "Tuffy" provided a more than adequate name for a football player and indicated the style Mr Leemans leaned toward. The Moniker was out of necessity to extend his college career into the pro ranks.

Leemans' journey to football stardom began in his hometown high school in Superior, Wisconsin. He then ventured West to play freshman ball in Oregon before deciding to complete his collegiate career at George Washington University. His time with the George Washington Colonials showcased his versatility, as he amassed 2,382 rushing yards, threw for 966 yards, and returned 84 punts for 984 yards, a total of 3142 total NFL yards of production. His ability to excel in multiple roles on the field was a testament to his adaptability and skill.

Thanks to a somewhat improbable course, Tuffy became a second-round pick in the first NFL Draft in 1936. The selection was based on a tip from Tim Marra's son Wellington, who saw Tuffy play at GW while vacationing as a high schooler. Wellington would later reminisce, "If I'm remembered for nothing else, I'd like to be remembered for discovering Tuffy Leemans." This is a pretty humble statement from the guy still referenced in every official NFL football statement, "The Duke." Wellington took it a step further when, as many draftees from the first NFL selection process decided against playing in the still somewhat fledgling League for better pay in other career fields, Mara talked Leemans into playing for the Giants.

Chicago Trib writer Vincent X. Flaherty helped get Tuffy from GW into the Chicago All-Star game in 1936, with some help from the hundreds of votes for the player from the Windy City Fish Wrap readers. It was also a brilliant selection from John Q. Public, the collective name for the average American, as Leemans became the 1936 College All-Star MVP, a testament to his growing popularity and influence in the sport.

The "Duke football's" namesake's suggestion to his father and the rest of the Giants brass proved fruitful. Tuffy Leemans' eight-year career with the New York Giants (1936-1943) was masterclasses in versatility, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A single position didn't define Leemans; he excelled as a running back, passer, receiver, and defender. This adaptability, coupled with his raw talent, made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

Leemans' impact was immediate. Drafted in the second round of the 1936 NFL Draft, he shattered rookie rushing records, leading the League with a staggering 830 yards. Not only was he the starting fullback as a rookie, but in the era of single-platoon football, he also patrolled the defensive backfield as a safety. He became a fixture on the All-Pro team, earning the distinction twice (1936 and 1939). A surprising passing prowess matched his ability to churn out yards on the ground. Leemans could dissect defenses with his arm, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns throughout his career.

Leemans' impact on the New York Giants was profound. His two-way dominance, excelling on offense and defense, propelled the team to consistent championship contention. The fact that he was a fantastic defensive player was significant.

He was one of Head Coach Steve Owen's favorites and was a big part of why Owens was confident in implementing his two-platoon system—his A Team and B Team. The A team would play the first and third quarters, and the B team would play the second and fourth quarters. Leemans captained one team, while teammate Ward Cuff headed the alternate squad. What Owens trusted most about both players was their reliability in organizing the defenses properly.

The unselfish playing time may also indicate why Leemans only led the League in rushing his rookie season in 1936, as the talented back only played 30 minutes a game on this big substitution strategy. His stats would've been much higher had he played regularly.
 
Under his leadership, the Giants thrice reached the NFL title game, securing victory in 1938. His grit and determination were instrumental in these triumphs, making him a source of pride and inspiration for the team and its fans.

To further showcase his uncanny athleticism and versatility, the enterprising young man played professional basketball when, in the 1937 NFL off-season, he inked a contract with the Heurich Brewers of Washington, D.C.

Tuffy's versatility rose again when veteran Giants QB Ed Danowski retired and Leemans switched from RB to QB for his final two seasons. Tuffy wasn't a prolific passer by any means, but again, it was Owens's trust in Leemans to call the right plays and his leadership qualities. He was a player/coach in his final season in 1943 and a full-time assistant coach in 1944.

Leemans' career was tragically cut short by injuries. However, his impact transcended his playing days. He briefly coached for the Giants before returning to his alma mater, George Washington University, to coach high school football. His story with the Giants wasn't over, though, and came up again on one of the most infamous days in U.S. history. On December 7, 1941, the Giants celebrated "Tuffy Leemans Day." The franchise was all set to thank their former star with a gift of a silver tray and $1,500 in defense bonds. The War Bonds were quite a segue and a precognitive gift for what occurred during the ceremony. The game's radio broadcast was interrupted by an announcement of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the in-stadium announcer was persuaded to call out on the Public Address system at the polo grounds, requesting military personnel to report to their Commanding Officers immediately.

Tuffy Leemans' legacy extends far beyond statistics. He was a true pioneer, demonstrating that a player's value wasn't confined to a single position. His enshrinement in the Hall of Fame in 1978 is a permanent reminder of his all-around brilliance and the indelible mark he left on the game. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire players and fans alike, showing that versatility and adaptability are crucial to success in football.

Tuffy Leemans was a standout player in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). Here's a summary of his career:

-College and Early Career: Leemans played college football for both Oregon and George Washington University. Drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1936 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a force on the field.

-Dominant All-Around Player: Leemans excelled on both offense and defense. He was a skilled runner, receiver, and passer, while also being a strong defensive player. This versatility made him a valuable asset to the Giants.

-League Leader and Champion: Leemans led the NFL in rushing yards (830) as a rookie, a remarkable feat, and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1936 and 1939. He helped the Giants win the 1938 NFL Championship and played in the championship games of 1939 and 1941.

-Durability and Accolades: Leemans played eight seasons for the Giants, appearing in 80 games. He finished his career with over 3,100 rushing yards, 2,300 passing yards, and 33 total touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his career (1938, 1941) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

-Legacy: Leemans' career embodied the early days of the NFL, where players were often expected to excel on both sides of the ball. His well-rounded skill set and leadership made him a key contributor to the Giants' success in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Leemans worked briefly as a backfield coach for the Giants and at his alma mater George Washington after his playing days were over.

The Green Bay Packers, a storied franchise with a rich history, have a relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jersey numbers.

This exclusive honor is reserved for players who have made extraordinary contributions to the team and the sport.  

The Packers' retired numbers represent a pantheon of football legends. Players like Don Hutson, the revolutionary wide receiver, and Bart Starr, the iconic quarterback, have their jerseys enshrined in the rafters. These numbers are not merely digits but symbols of dominance, leadership, and unwavering dedication.

The team's commitment to honoring its greatest players is evident in the careful selection of numbers for retirement. Each jersey represents a chapter in the Packers' illustrious history, inspiring current and future generations of players and fans alike. As the Packers continue to build on their legacy, the retired numbers serve as a constant reminder of the extraordinary individuals who have shaped the franchise's identity.

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Green Bay anymore:

-Jersey Number 3
Tony Canadeo 1941–1952

-Jersey Number 4
Brett Favre 1992–2007

-Jersey Number 14
Don Hutson 1935–1945

-Jersey Number 15
Bart Starr 1956–1971

-Jersey Number 66
Ray Nitschke 1958–1972

-Jersey Number 92
Reggie White 1993–1998

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.