In the grand scheme of things, Amani Toomer was never seen as an elite wide receiver. He was an excellent pass catcher who was plenty productive, but never necessarily struck fear in cornerbacks the way some of the game’s greats have over the years.
With that said, Toomer was everything the Giants needed him to be and then some. For a franchise that has lacked top receiver talent throughout its storied history, Toomer stands out as one who always answered the call and made big plays when the offense needed them most.
Realistically, he was the model of consistency for New York. Although his numbers wouldn’t blow you away, given that he produced five straight 1,000-yard seasons says plenty. When he hung up his cleats in 2008, he was the Giants’ career leader in nearly every receiving category, including receptions (668), receiving yards (9,497) and receiving touchdowns (54).
Toomer also won a Super Bowl with the Giants, asserting himself as Eli Manning’s go-to option out wide. When he wasn’t on the field, New York felt his absence in the worst of ways. It was clear that Toomer was a catalyst for the Giants offense, one which hadn’t been seen by this franchise until Odell Beckham Jr. came to town.