New York Giants Top Ten Defensive Linemen of All-Time

Number Two: Leonard Marshall (1983-92)

Perhaps one of the most important pieces to two different Super Bowl teams, Leonard Marshall is hands down one of the best pass rushers in Giants history.

Marshall was a product of LSU and was drafted by the Giants as the 37th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. Many considered Marshall to be the steal of the draft, and they were right.

Marshall came in overweight in his rookie year, but in 1984 he recorded 6.5 sacks. He also helped the Giants win a wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams 16-13.

In 1985 Marshall’s production amped up even higher as he netted 15.5 sacks which earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl, and also won him Defensive Lineman of the Year. Marshall would repeat those honors in 1986.

In 1986 Marshall helped lead the Giants to a Super Bowl victory against the Denver Broncos. In 1990 Marshall would go on a long contract holdout but ended up recording 4.5 sacks on the season. Later on the playoffs, Marshall delivered a bone-crushing hit to Joe Montana. Montana suffered a bruised sternum, bruised stomach, cracked ribs, and a broken hand.

Marshall would help lead the Giants to another Super Bowl victory after Scott Norwood’s kick went wide right (never forget). When Marshall decided to hang it up he recorded 79.5 sacks as a Giant, landing him at number three on the Giants all-time list.