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.

Football fans, have you ever wondered who truly owned the number 10? Join us as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the iconic figures who wore this jersey throughout NFL history!

Number 10 transcends a simple designation. It's a canvas for some, a symbol of leadership and strategic brilliance for quarterbacks who orchestrated game-winning drives. For others, it represents versatility, a badge of honor for wide receivers who stretched defenses thin or defensive playmakers who struck fear in the hearts of opponents.

Over the next few posts, we'll be dissecting the careers of these legendary athletes who donned number 10. We'll analyze their playing styles, revisit their most iconic moments, and delve into how they used the number to etch their names into NFL history. Prepare to be surprised by the diverse group of players who wore this iconic number and the unique ways they dominated the game.

Eli Manning, a former professional American football quarterback, is best known for his time with the New York Giants in the NFL. Born on January 3, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Manning comes from a storied football family; he is the son of Archie Manning, a former NFL quarterback, and the younger brother of Peyton Manning, another two-time Super Bowl champion. Eli's football journey began at the University of Mississippi, where he established himself as a standout player, setting numerous school records and earning All-American honors.

Manning was selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers but was quickly traded to the New York Giants. This trade would mark the beginning of a remarkable career defined by resilience and high-pressure performances. Manning's early years in the league were characterized by ups and downs, as he navigated the challenges of being a starting quarterback in New York, a city known for its intense media scrutiny and passionate fan base.

Eli's breakout season came in 2005, during which he demonstrated his potential as a leader and playmaker. However, it was in the playoffs that Manning truly made his mark. His most notable achievements came during the 2007 and 2011 seasons when he led the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI. In both instances, Manning's performances were remarkable, particularly in the 2007 Super Bowl, where he orchestrated a stunning upset against the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. His game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the final moments solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.

Manning's ability to perform under pressure was further exemplified in the 2011 season, where he once again led the Giants to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. He was named Super Bowl MVP for both championships, highlighting his pivotal role in securing the titles for his team. Over his career, Eli accumulated impressive statistics, including over 57,000 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes, placing him among the top quarterbacks in NFL history.

Despite facing criticism throughout his career, particularly regarding his consistency and performance in the regular season, Manning's legacy is marked by his poise, professionalism, and ability to deliver in crucial moments. He retired after the 2019 season, leaving behind a legacy as one of the great quarterbacks in Giants history and a respected figure in the league.

Post-retirement, Manning has remained involved in football, contributing to various media outlets and engaging in philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Eli Manning Foundation, which focuses on providing educational opportunities for children. His influence on the game and his remarkable career make Eli Manning a significant figure in NFL history, remembered not just for his statistics but for his enduring spirit and leadership on and off the field.

Jan Stenerud wasn't your typical football hero. He wasn't a flashy wide receiver or a bone-crushing linebacker. Instead, Stenerud carved his niche in NFL history as a placekicker, and a darn good one at that.

Born in Norway, Stenerud's journey began at Montana State University, where he excelled at both football and wrestling. After being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966, he quickly established himself as a reliable weapon. His accuracy and power, including a then-Super Bowl record 48-yard field goal in Super Bowl IV, were instrumental in the Chiefs' victory.

Stenerud's consistency was legendary. He holds the record for most career field goals made (373) and most seasons with 100 or more points scored (7). Throughout his 19-year career, he played for the Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings, earning six All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances.

More importantly, Stenerud helped usher in a new era of kicking accuracy. In the 1980s, he led the league in field goal percentage for four straight years. His precision made him a valuable asset, often deciding close games or setting up scoring opportunities.

In 1991, Stenerud became the first pure kicker inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his groundbreaking impact on the game. While his name might not be synonymous with highlight reels, Jan Stenerud's unwavering accuracy and longevity secured his place among the NFL's most reliable and respected players.

The Minnesota Vikings boast a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the team has retired a select few jersey numbers, honoring those who have transcended the game. Let's take a deep dive into the Vikings' retired numbers and explore the legacies of the players who earned this ultimate accolade.

Here is a look at the jerseys that the franchise has taken out of circulation and the individuals honored:

-Jersey Number 10
Fran Tarkenton 1961–1966, 1972–1978

-Jersey Number 53
Mick Tingelhoff 1962–1978

-Jersey Number 70
Jim Marshall 1961–1979

-Jersey Number 77
Korey Stringer 1995–2000

-Jersey Number 80
Cris Carter 1990–2001

-Jersey Number 88
Alan Page 1967–1978

Born February 3, 1940, in Richmond, Virginia, was Fran Tarkenton, the mobile quarterback from the University of Georgia. Fran led the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was an Academic All-American.

Tarkenton is best remembered at Georgia for the 1959 game with Auburn. Trailing 13-7 with time running out, Georgia had the ball, fourth down, on the 13-yard line. Tarkenton threw a touchdown pass, and Georgia won the game and clinched the conference title. The National Football Foundation selected Fran Tarkenton for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Tarkenton was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1961, and in his first game, he tossed four touchdown passes and used his legs for a fifth. In 1967, Fran left the Vikings and spent five seasons with the New York Giants until a surprising trade in 1972 led him back to Minnesota. According to ProfootballHOF.com, Fran rewarded the Vikings for trading for him in his final seven years with the Vikings as he led Minnesota to six NFC Central Division titles and three Super Bowl appearances. He was named first- or second-team All-NFL three times. In 18 seasons in the NFL, Fran played in 9 Pro Bowls, threw 47,003 yards passing, and 342 TDs while he ran for another 3674 yards.  In 1986 ceremonies, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Fran Tarkenton in their Canton museum.

A real trendsetter was this quarterback, who could kill a defense with his scrambling ability as much as possible with his accurate arm.