Hall of Fame Game Countdown: #25 of Mark Collins

Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Hall of Fame Game is in 25 days… 

#25 has been monopolized by Giants defensive backs since the mid-80’s, starting with cornerback Mark Collins from 1986-1993. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Collins was the epitome of a lock down cover corner during his prime years. He often doesn’t get the historical credit he deserves because his interception total wasn’t voluminous. The truth is, opposing quarterbacks just attacked the other side of the field. Collins was named First Team All-NFL in 1989.

His encounter with Jerry Rice in the 1990 NFC Championship Game has become stuff of legend. Collins used the art of psychological warfare, staring down Rice on every snap en route to a 15-13 Giants victory. He limited the Hall of Fame wide receiver to five receptions for 54 yards:

"“If they ran 54 plays, I probably had him man-to-man on 45,” Collins said. “That’s scary. That guy is great.”“I kept moving around, staring at his eyes,” he said. “That’s the way I play everybody. You look into their eyes and you can see if they’ve come to play."

The epic battles of yesteryear… so much Big Blue history.

Other CB’s that donned #25: Will Allen from 2001-2005 and R.W. McQuarters from 2006-2008. More of a special teams factor than stalwart of the secondary, McQuarters famously intercepted Tony Romo in the end zone with :09 ticks remaining in the 2008 Divisional Round:

Credit: Giants.com

Free safety Will Hill should be wearing #25 for the Giants in 2014, but irresponsibility away from the gridiron will prevent him from ever maximizing his on-field talent. Instead, UDFA Kyle Sebetic from Dayton will inherit the numbers… at least temporarily.

Three weeks and four days to go!