New York Giants: Osi Umenyiora’s Top 5 Performances

Sep 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Osi Umenyiora (50) has a laugh on the field before the game against the New England Patriots at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants set up a memorable goodbye for one of the best defensive ends in the history of their franchise earlier this week, as Osi Umenyiora announced his retirement from the NFL. The Giants gave Umenyiora a one-day contract earlier in the week so that he could retire as a member of the team he started his career with in 2003 as a second round pick of of Troy.

Umenyiora has a great press conference that was full of jokes, smiles and a video montage made for him by the team. There were many high ranking officials with the Giants in attendance including John Mara, Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin. The relationship between Umenyiora and the Giants was strenuous at times during his career, but that looks to be behind everyone now as his farewell was full of well wishes and positive words.

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While the off field incidents sometimes got ugly, Umenyiora was always producing on the field. He was one of the most vaunted pass rushers of his time, finishing with 85 career sacks, 75 of which came in his 10-year career with the Giants. Those 75 sacks place him fourth on the Giants All-Time list, trailing only Michael Strahan, Lawrence Taylor and Leonard Marshall, putting him in hallowed company among the Giants lore.

He also became known for his ability to force fumbles. The strip sack is something he was recognized for, being one of the best in the business at doing it. It is not a stat the the NFL officially recognizes, but Umenyiora is tied with Charles Tillman for the most in a season with 10. The 35 that he raked up in his career would easily place him near the top, as Umenyiora got the quarterback with consistency and made it count when he did.

That set of skills enabled Umenyiora to have some memorable moments with the Giants over 10 seasons. Which ones were his best? You’ll have to follow the slideshow to find out.

Check out our list of the five best performances in Osi Umenyiora’s career with the New York Giants.

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