Former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi Dies at Age 84

Ernie Accorsi, the former general manager of the New York Giants who drafted Eli Manning and helped build a championship team, died on Sunday. He was 84 years old.

Accorsi served as the Giants' head coach from 1998 to 2006 before retiring that same year. During his tenure, he orchestrated a significant draft trade in 2004 to select Eli Manning with the third overall pick. This move is widely credited by Manning and team officials as pivotal for the franchise's future success.

Under Accorsi's leadership, the Giants reached Super Bowl XXXV but lost to the Baltimore Ravens. However, his strategic acquisitions laid the groundwork for a subsequent victory in Super Bowl XLII against the undefeated New England Patriots. Eli Manning won his first ring with this team and later secured a second championship under head coach Tom Coughlin.

Accorsi began his professional career as an NFL executive in 1970 with the Indianapolis Colts, serving there until 1982 when he was promoted to general manager. He previously managed the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1992 and worked for various league offices before joining the Giants organization.

In recognition of his contributions, Accorsi was inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor in 2016 alongside Coughlin and Justin Tuck. John Mara, a co-owner of the team, praised him as a trusted advisor whose legacy remains deeply embedded within the franchise.