New York Giants Top Ten Defensive Linemen of All-Time

Number Five: Andy Robustelli (1956-64)

Andy Robustelli is one of the most decorated Giants defensive linemen of all-time. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 and was traded to the Giants in 1956.

In his first year with the Giants, the team went on to win the NFL Championship. He would go on to lead the team to Eastern Division titles in 1958, 1959, 1961,1962, and 1963. Each of those years the Giants would go on to lose the NFL Championship, but it would not take away from Robustelli’s personal accomplishments.

He was a tenacious pass rusher, and at the time, was of a towering size. He was listed as 6 ft. and 230 lbs., and was a very agile rusher for his size.  He was a four-time first team All-Pro during the Giants’ six championship appearances.

Robustelli was also an iron man, starting in 174 games, and only missing one.  At the time of his retirement, Robustelli held the record for most fumble recoveries with 22. He also intercepted two passes and returned both of them for touchdowns.

Robustelli was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1971 alongside other Giants great Y.A Tittle, and coaching great Vince Lombardi.