New York Giants: Top 10 Defensive Linemen Of All Time

Sep 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; A New York Giants helmet lays on the field prior to the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

1. Andy Robustelli

A lot of young Giants fans probably aren’t as familiar with Robustelli. But unlike Badgro and Weinmeister, I think a lot of football fans, specifically Giants fans, do know who Robustelli was. He was that good.

Admittedly, I’m not too familiar with Robustelli either (I was a little young when he was in his prime, like, about 40 years before I was born), and I needed to do some research on him to really understand his greatness. But what I do know: Robustelli was an all-time NFL great, and one of the toughest defenders to ever wear a Giants uniform.

A 7-time All-Pro (five with the Giants) and 1962 NFL MVP, Robustelli was as dominant as they come. He was quick and apparently a great pass rusher (though again, they didn’t record sacks in his day), and he won an NFL championship in 1962. And just like today, you don’t see defensive players win MVPs. The last one to do so was Lawrence Taylor, so the fact Robustelli did so is legendary. For those who got to watch Robustelli play, they were privileged. This was one of the great NFL players  of all-time.

And he’s a Connecticut native, which is cool and all…

I think a lot of football fans would put Robustelli at the top of their list as greatest Giants defensive lineman. They’d have a great case. I decided to go in a different direction.

Next: Michael Strahan