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Ranking NY Giants’ top 10 linebackers of all-time

By Stephen Samra

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Hall of Famers Lawrence Taylor (L) and Harry Carson talk during a halftime ceremony of a game between the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Colts defeated the Giants 40-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Hall of Famers Lawrence Taylor (L) and Harry Carson talk during a halftime ceremony of a game between the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Colts defeated the Giants 40-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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American professional football player Sam Huff of the New York Giants takes down Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers during a game, late 1950s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)
American professional football player Sam Huff of the New York Giants takes down Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers during a game, late 1950s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

3) Sam Huff

Years: 1956-1963

Legacy: NFL Champion (1956); Pro Football HOF

After the NY Giants drafted Sam Huff, he almost left town – until Tom Landry built a defense perfectly suited to Huff’s abilities.

Alas, the move was beneficial to both parties – Huff became one of the greatest defensive players of his time, and in the history of the Giants. He helped lead the team to an NFL Championship – but they could’ve done even more than that.

The NY Giants would lose five championship games following their win in Huff’s tenure – still, his contributions made him one of the most popular athletes in the world at the time. Along with making the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Huff holds the unique distinction of being the first NFL player to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JANUARY 4: Linebacker Harry Carson of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline during a playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium on January 4, 1987 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the 49ers 49-3. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JANUARY 4: Linebacker Harry Carson of the New York Giants looks on from the sideline during a playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Giants Stadium on January 4, 1987 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the 49ers 49-3. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

2) Harry Carson

Years: 1976-1988

Legacy: Super Bowl Champion (XXI); Pro Football HOF

The Robin to Lawrence Taylor’s Batman – Harry Carson was far from a secondary character.

The linebacker was one of the league’s best throughout his career in New York – helped lead the team to their first ever Super Bowl victory. His nine Pro Bowl selections prove that he wasn’t just respected by his team – the entire league knew Carson was one of the best.

Bill Belichick has coached some phenomenal players in his career – he had high praise for Carson, calling him the ‘best all-around linebacker’ he’s ever coached.

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