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 eleven has graced the backs of some of the most iconic figures in NFL history. From gridiron legends of the past to modern-day superstars, this single digit has become synonymous with talent, skill, and athleticism.

In the following series, we will delve into the careers of the most famous players to don the number eleven jersey. We'll explore their impact on the game, their most memorable moments, and the legacy they've left behind.

We aim to cover every substantial player at every number, because that is what we do. Do you see anyone we missed? Let us know pigskindistatch@gmail.com.

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.

---

Norm Van Brocklin's NFL career wasn't a linear path to glory. It was a journey marked by resilience, adaptation, and a pioneering spirit that helped revolutionize the quarterback position. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1949, Van Brocklin's early years were a struggle. The league was dominated by a run-first mentality, and passing was seen as a risky proposition.

Born March 15, 1926, in Parade, South Dakota, was the legendary Oregon Quarterback Norm Van Brocklin. He could quickly read the defenses and do what came automatically to him, find the open receiver for a gain. Norm was gifted with a peripheral vision that allowed him to take into view the entire panorama of play. In 1966 Norm Van Brocklin's collegiate story was placed into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Norm left Oregon while still having a year of eligibility left. The Rams used their number four pick in the 1949 Draft to pick Norm.

However, Van Brocklin possessed a strong arm and a deep understanding of the passing game. He chafed under the conservative offensive schemes of the time, yearning for a system that unleashed his talents. His frustration led to a trade to the Baltimore Colts in 1951. While his time there was short-lived, it marked a turning point. Under coach Weeb Ewbank, Van Brocklin was finally given the green light to throw. He thrived, setting a single-game passing record of 554 yards, a feat that stood for nearly two decades.

In 1954, Van Brocklin landed with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting with coach Ewbank. Together, they implemented a revolutionary passing attack dubbed the "Run and Shoot." This innovative scheme emphasized short, quick passes that exploited defensive weaknesses. Van Brocklin, with his accuracy and leadership, became the perfect conductor for this new offense. The Eagles flourished, reaching the NFL Championship game in 1960.

Van Brocklin's impact extended beyond on-field performance. He was a vocal advocate for the passing game, urging coaches and fans to embrace its potential. His success helped pave the way for future generations of quarterbacks who thrived in pass-heavy offenses.

However, injuries hampered Van Brocklin throughout his career. Back problems forced him to retire in 1960, leaving many to wonder what heights he could have reached with better health. Despite a relatively short playing career, his influence is undeniable. He is credited with being one of the first quarterbacks to truly master the art of passing, a skill that would come to define the modern NFL.

Beyond his statistical achievements, Van Brocklin is also remembered for his leadership and competitive spirit. He was a player who demanded excellence from himself and his teammates. Notably, he became the only quarterback in NFL history to lead two different teams (the Eagles and the Rams) to league championship games.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame says that even splitting time with fellow HOF QB Bob Waterfield, Van Brocklin won the NFL passing title in 1950, 52 & 54, playing for both the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles leading Philly to the NFL’s championship title in 1960. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined him in 1971.

Larry Fitzgerald, a name synonymous with excellence in American football, has left an indelible mark both in college football and the NFL. Born on August 31, 1983, in Minneapolis, Fitzgerald's football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football for the Panthers. In his two years at Pitt, Fitzgerald emerged as a dominant force. His freshman season was remarkable, earning him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best wide receiver. He continued his stellar performance in his sophomore year, setting numerous records, including an impressive 92 receptions for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns. His college career was highlighted by his exceptional route running, precise hands, and athleticism, which set the stage for his professional career.

In 2004, Fitzgerald declared for the NFL Draft and was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals. His impact on the professional stage was immediate. Over a career spanning 17 seasons, Fitzgerald became one of the most revered wide receivers in NFL history. He played exclusively for the Cardinals, becoming a franchise cornerstone. His accolades include 11 Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and a place in the NFL's top ten for career receptions and receiving yards. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Fitzgerald's legacy is marked by his exceptional consistency, sportsmanship, and dedication. His leadership on and off the field has cemented his status as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history.