From Odell Beckham to Plaxico Burress and Victor Cruz, the NY Giants have had some marquee wide receivers throughout the history of the franchise
The wide receiver position for the NY Giants has featured some of the most reliable, electrifying play-makers in league history.
Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney and John Ross all joined the Giants this off-season expecting to make their presence felt. If they can form a connection with their quarterback like many on this list did, they could forever be remembered in the history of the franchise.
Each receiver on the list found their niche and excelled – they’ll all be trying to do the same this season.
Here are the top 10 wide receivers in NY Giants’ history:
10) Ike Hilliard
Years: 1997-2004
Legacy: NFC Champion (Super Bowl XXXV)
Drafted seventh overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, Ike Hilliard put his body on the line for the NY Giants every-time he caught the football.
While his reckless playing style led to a slew of injuries, he endeared himself to Giants’ fans everywhere. Even while missing a multitude of games eight years, including 14 his rookie year – he still put up solid numbers throughout his Giants’ career.
He left New York after catching 368 passes for 4630 yards and 27 touchdowns. His most memorable performance came in the NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings – Hilliard had 10 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns in the Giants’ 41-0 victory.
9) Chris Calloway
Years: 1992-1998
Legacy: NY Giants’ Receiving Leader (1995-1998)
Before Amani Toomer arrived in New York, it was Chris Calloway who the NY Giants’ offense ran through.
Signed away from the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992, Calloway developed from a role player with potential to the team’s number one receiver over his career in New York. He led the Giants in receiving for four straight seasons – including their division winning season in 1997.
He ended his career in New York with 4710 yards and 27 touchdowns – and perhaps as one of their most under-appreciated offensive players.
8) Del Shofner
Years: 1961-1967
Legacy: Five-time Pro Bowl (1958, 1959, 1961-1963); Five-time First-team All-Pro (1958, 1959, 1961-1963)
After making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Rams, Del Shofner came to New York and continued his stellar play.
He made the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro rosters in each of his first three years with the team, quickly making the Giants look like geniuses for bringing him in. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career and he retired from football in 1967 – but he ended with 4315 yards and 35 touchdowns in his Giants’ career.
Shofner never won a championship with the Giants, but his offensive abilities made him one of the most electrifying players in the entire league.
7) Kyle Rote
Years: 1951-1961
Legacy: NFL Champion (1956); Four time Pro Bowl (1953-1956)
The first overall pick in 1951, the NY Giants made the right pick with Kyle Rote.
Originally a running back, Rote changed his career and legacy when he changed positions to receiver in 1953. He would go on to catch 300 passes for 4797 yards and 48 touchdowns with the Giants – all team highs at the time of his retirement.
He played in four championship games, winning one against the Chicago Bears in 1956. An athlete, visionary and leader – Rote captained the Giants for eight seasons.
6) Homer Jones
Years: 1964-1969
Legacy: Two-time Pro Bowl (1967, 1968)
The NY Giants brought Homer Jones to New York hoping to find a diamond in the rough – and they were rewarded handsomely.
Jones became one of the best receivers in team history – evolving into a Pro Bowl caliber player. He even led the league in receiving touchdowns in 1967 – hauling in 13 scores.
He was an innovator – credited with creating the ‘spike’ celebration. That’s right – Jones walked so Gronk could run.
5) Plaxico Burress
Years: 2005-2008
Legacy: Super Bowl Champion (XLII)
One of the best moments in NY Giants’ history – seeing a wide open Plaxico Burress run past the New England Patriots to Super Bowl glory.
Arguably the best free agent signing in team history, Eli Manning may never become the legend he is today without Burress. His arrival in New York helped the quarterback become the player we now know as one of the greatest Giants in history – their chemistry was immaculate.
Unfortunately, Burress’ career with the team was undone by an accidental shooting. Many fans and experts alike point to that moment as the reason the Giants didn’t repeat as champions – as they were clearly the best team in the league prior.
While Burress’ time in New York ended unceremoniously, his contributions to Manning’s career and the team’s Super Bowl XLII victory catapult him up the rankings.
4) Victor Cruz
Years: 2010-2016
Legacy: Super Bowl Champion (XLVI); Pro Bowl (2012)
Time to Salsa.
Victor Cruz burst onto the scene in 2011 and never looked back. The undrafted free agent finally got his chance after a year and a half, and one legendary day in Philadelphia he took advantage – burning the Eagles to the tune of 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Cruz’s play catapulted him into the hearts of Giants’ fans everywhere – shocking the world when he went on to catch 82 passes for 1536 yards and nine touchdowns after being thrust into the lineup. Famously, he gave the team the best Christmas gift they could ask for – his 99-yard touchdown against the NY Jets is still seen as the launching point for the team’s Super Bowl run.
A torn patella tendon took Cruz’s prime away from him way too early, but the receivers’ play prior made him timeless.
3) Hakeem Nicks
Years: 2009-2013
Legacy: Super Bowl Champion (XLVI)
Injuries derailed his career – but at his peak, Hakeem Nicks was one of the most dangerous receivers in the entire league.
While he continually balled out in his career, his greatest run came at the biggest time – the 2011 NFL playoffs. Nicks was unstoppable – hauling in 28 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns in four games.
He worked his way up to ninth on the Giants’ All-Time receiving yards list, but he could’ve been much higher had he remained healthy. Still, Nicks’ place in team history was etched – and he’ll always be looked back upon fondly.
2) Odell Beckham Jr.
Years: 2014-2018
Legacy: Three-time Pro Bowl (2014-2016); NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2014)
The NY Giants’ Icarus.
Odell Beckham Jr. flew too close to the sun in New York – but what a sight he was in his five seasons. From his rookie season, his greatness was evident – running away with the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award while shattering records.
Perhaps the Giants failed Beckham – their inability to give the receiver and Eli Manning a capable supporting cast and defense kept them out of the playoffs for all but one season. Still, the pair was dynamite together – Beckham hauling in 44 touchdowns from Manning.
The catch, the boat trip and all the amazing plays in-between – his time in New York will never be forgotten.
The Best: Amani Toomer
Years: 1996-2008
Legacy: Super Bowl Champion (XLII)
Ole reliable.
From 1996-2008, the one constant of the NY Giants’ offense was that Amani Toomer was going to produce. Whether his quarterback was Kerry Collins, Kurt Warner or Eli Manning – each quarterback relied on Toomer.
While his best years came early in his career, who could forget Toomer’s play during the team’s Super Bowl run? His two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys helped propel his team against the rival Dallas Cowboys – the number one seed in the NFC that season.
He holds numerous team records – including most career receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He may not have been the flashiest receiver, but he was the best receiver in the team’s illustrious history.