The NY Giants have lost a great man that led their team for several years. Jim Fassel, the Giants’ Head Coach from 1997 until 2003, died Tuesday morning at the age of 71.
Fassel was one of the most-liked and well-respected coaches the Giants have had over the past 40 years. Fassel took the team over as Head Coach in 1997 after being the Giants’ Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach in 1991-92.
The Giants were coming off a poor stretch of seasons in the mid-’90s when Fassel took over. He immediately righted the ship and turned the team into a winner overnight in his first season. His 1997 playoff appearance in his first season as a Head Coach was good enough to earn him NFL Coach of the Year honors.
Fassel will always be best remembered for the Giants’ 2000 season. It was here where Fassel established himself as a terrific motivator and a man full of confident words. Fassel’s speech with the Giants at 7-4 guaranteeing a playoff spot is one of the most infamous and boisterous speeches in NFL history.
"“You got the laser, you can put it right on my chest. I’ll take full responsibility. I’m raising the stakes right now. This is a poker game, I’m shoving my chips to the middle of the table, I’m raising the ante. Anybody wants in, get in. Anybody wants out, get out. This team is going to the playoffs.”"
Jim Fassel presided over some incredible games and unforgettable moments in NY Giants history. We rank his top three here:
Game #3: NY Giants vs Denver Broncos, Week 15, 1998
Heading into this game, the NY Giants took on the 13-0 and reigning Super Bowl champions in the Denver Broncos.
The Giants won this game thanks to Kent Graham and his passing prowls. Amani Toomer caught the game-winning touchdown to end the Bronco’s perfect season and deliver a signature win for Jim Fassel.