4. LB Brad Van Pelt
Linebacker Brad Van Pelt is another esteemed member of the NY Giants organization that you really just have to feel for not winning the big one. Drafted during the ‘wilderness years’ in the ’70s when the team was an unmitigated disaster, Van Pelt did all he could to help Big Blue win football games – he was just on horrific teams.
At least he is recognized as a famed member of the ‘crunch bunch’ along with linebackers Brian Kelly, Harry Carson, and Lawrence Taylor, but Carl Banks ended up being drafted right after Van Pelt left the NY Giants and took up his spot in the group.
Unfortunately, that’s just when the NY Giants began their ascension into NFL glory. Widely recognized as a team leader, Van Pelt made five Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team during his time with Big Blue and was one of the hardest working members of the team.
Over 11 years with Big Blue, he put up 20.5 sacks (unofficially), 18 interceptions, and 13 fumble recoveries, showing he was all over the place making plays.
Van Pelt bounced around the league until 1986 with the Raiders and Browns before retiring, but how nice would it have been if he played out his whole career with Big Blue and went out on top with a Super Bowl?
For his efforts, Van Pelt was inducted into the NY Giants Ring of Honor, very deservingly so.