Giants Legend Ernie Accorsi Dies at 84

Longtime NFL executive Ernie Accorsi, the man who helped build the foundation for the New York Giants teams that eventually won two Super Bowls, has died at age 84.

The Giants and Accorsi's family announced Sunday that he died peacefully Saturday surrounded by his family. A cause of death was not provided.

Accorsi spent nine seasons as the Giants' general manager from 1998 through 2006 after serving four years as an assistant under legendary executive George Young. During his tenure, the Giants won two NFC East titles, reached the playoffs four times and advanced to Super Bowl XXXV.

Although Accorsi retired following the 2006 season, his fingerprints remained all over the Giants' championship teams. New York won its first Super Bowl of that era the following season, in 2007, and captured another championship in 2011. The organization gave Accorsi championship rings for both victories.

Accorsi's most lasting contributions may have been the hiring of Tom Coughlin and the decision to trade for Eli Manning.

The Giants selected Manning in a draft-day trade with the San Diego Chargers in 2004, and Accorsi was convinced the quarterback could become the franchise player New York needed.

Manning never forgot who believed in him.

“I call Ernie every draft week for the last 12 years, maybe longer than that, and just thank him for making the trade and believing in me and bringing me to the New York Giants,” Manning said. “I know he was the believer in me and kind of the reason I got here.”

Manning also credited Accorsi with building teams that gave the Giants an opportunity to win championships.

Coughlin remembered Accorsi as a decisive and loyal executive who loved to tell stories and make people laugh.

“He was a great storyteller,” Coughlin said. “He loved to have an audience and laugh, and then everyone else would laugh with him.”

Accorsi's NFL career spanned 37 years and included general manager positions with the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns before his arrival with the Giants. In his final 16 seasons as a general manager, his teams reached the playoffs nine times, including six division championships.

Giants President John Mara remembered Accorsi for much more than his football accomplishments.

“Ernie helped shape the course of New York Giants history through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in building a championship organization,” Mara said. “Beyond his accomplishments as a football executive, he was a trusted advisor and dear friend.”

For Giants fans, Accorsi's legacy will forever be connected to the decisions that helped shape a championship era — especially the belief he had in a young quarterback named Eli Manning and the conviction to make the move that brought him to New York.