9) Jim Katacavage
Years: 1956-1968
Legacy: NFL Champion (1956); Three-time First-team All-Pro (1961-1963); Three-time Pro Bowl (1961-1963)
If sacks were an official stat back in Jim Katacavage’s day, we may be talking about him with some of the best defensive lineman in league history.
Katacavage was an absolute force throughout his career in New York – teaming up with players like Roosevelt Grier and Andy Robustelli to make up the best defense in the league. They were a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks – nobody had an answer for any of them, especially Katacavage.
The NY Giants won one NFL Championship in Katacavage’s tenure, but made it to five other championship games. It’s a shame that the Giants couldn’t close the deal out in any other championship games, as Katacavage and the team’s defense as a whole would be mentioned among the all-time greats if they could’ve won a couple more of the games.
8) Roosevelt Grier
Years: 1955-1962
Legacy: NFL Champion (1956); Three-time All-Pro (1956, 1958, 1959); Two-time Pro Bowl (1956, 1960)
Before becoming a bodyguard, actor, writer and musician, Roosevelt Grier was one of the best defensive lineman in the entire NFL.
The NY Giants featured one of the best defenses in the league throughout Grier’s tenure – finishing first in fewest points allowed three different times. The unit helped lead the Giants to an NFL Championship in 1956 – where they shut down the Chicago Bears, 47-7.
After Grier was traded in 1963, the Giants’ defense immediately declined. It would be awhile before the franchise would see a defense that dominant, and a player who could ruin an offense like Grier.