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NY Giants: Top 10 Quarterbacks of All-Time

By Stephen Samra

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: A backview of Quarterbacks Daniel Jones #8 and Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 32 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: A backview of Quarterbacks Daniel Jones #8 and Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. The Giants defeated the Buccaneers 32 to 31. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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CANTON, OH – AUGUST 7: David Friedman, newphew of Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Benny Friedman, poses with his bust during the 2005 NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony on August 7, 2005 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

6) Benny Friedman

Years: 1929-1931

Legacy: Pro Football HOF

Benny Friedman’s time with the NY Giants may have been brief – but his impact on the NFL is still felt today.

Before Friedman entered the league, the forward pass wasn’t how you won football games – his ability to throw the football moved the game into a new era. He was turning heads all over the league – as a member of the Detroit Wolverines, Friedman became the first player in league history to lead the NFL in both passing and rushing touchdowns.

Tim Mara’s Giants were struggling at the time – and he was enamored with Friedman. When Detroit refused to give up their quarterback, Mara simply bought the entire franchise – just to get Friedman.

He revolutionized the game, and was a must-see talent in the way we view Patrick Mahomes today. While his NY Giants never won a championship, Friedman’s play kept them among the league’s elite.

Pro Football Hall of Fame and New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton  (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Pro Football Hall of Fame and New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton  (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images) /

5) Fran Tarkenton

Years: 1967-1971

Legacy: Pro Football HOF

When you think of Fran Tarkenton, you think of the Minnesota Vikings – except for the five seasons he spent quarterbacking the NY Giants.

Tarkenton’s career in New York saw him make the Pro Bowl four out of five seasons – the quarterback put up gaudy numbers for the franchise. The Hall of Famer passed for 13,905 yards and 103 touchdowns as a Giant – putting him up there with some of the best in team history.

The former Viking came to the Giants in a midst of a long playoff drought – with no signs of that changing, he was traded back to Minnesota in 1972. His final contribution was the gift of one of the best linebackers in Giants’ history, Brad Van Pelt – acquired through the second round draft pick the Giants received.

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