New York Giants: 15 G-Men who changed the game forever

Honorable Mention

Tim Mara – As mentioned above Tim Mara brought the NFL to New York in 1925. He withstood presenting an unknown commodity to New York during the depression and was a driving force in making the New York Giants a pillar of the league.

Phil McConkey – A graduate of the United States Naval Acadamy, Phil McConkey served five years as a Navy helicopter pilot. When his service time was over he decided he wanted to play pro football. At 5-10, 160ish pounds, McConkey didn’t have ideal size but could run a 4.4 40-yard dash.

He made the Giants as a punt returner and stuck in the NFL for six years. McConkey was the first player to win an NFL job after a full tour of duty in the military since Roger Staubach. The diminutive receiver proved to Gen X that someone could both serve their country and be a professional football player.

Mark Bavaro – A fourth-round draft pick (100th overall), Mark Bavaro was the prototype for the hybrid tight ends that are currently in the NFL. He was a strong run blocker but excelled in the passing game. With good speed, Bavaro was too fast for most linebackers to cover and at 6-4, 245 pounds was too big for defensive backs to handle. In effect, he was the first Rob Gronkowski.