GMEN HQ
FanSided

Ranking NY Giants’ top 10 defensive linemen of all-time

By Stephen Samra

NY Giants Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
NY Giants Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 9
Next

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.

Portrait of four New York Giants football players, late 1950s or early 1960s. They are, from left, Andy Robustelli, Rosey Grier, Dick Modzelewski, and Jim Katcavage. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)
Portrait of four New York Giants football players, late 1950s or early 1960s. They are, from left, Andy Robustelli, Rosey Grier, Dick Modzelewski, and Jim Katcavage. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/NY Giants All-Time Lists