1. Lawrence Taylor
Accolades: 10-time Pro Bowler, 10-time All Pro member, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner, 1986 NFL MVP, two-time Super Bowl Champion, league leader in sacks in 1986, Pro Football Hall of Fame member
There should be zero questions about this one. As not only is Lawrence Taylor the greatest player in NY Giants history, there is an argument to be made that he is the greatest defender in NFL history. His resume speaks for itself, as do the 142 sacks.
Taylor’s NFL career started off with a bang, racking up 9.5 sacks and an interception while also winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in his rookie season. This season would be backed up well, as in the following year Taylor would win the Defensive Player of the Year award yet again despite only playing in nine games.
No words can put into perspective just how legendary of a career Taylor had. Not only did he win two Super Bowls with the NY Giants, he is also one of only two defensive players in league history to win the MVP award.
Whether it be his physical dominance as both a pass rusher and run stopper, or his ability to create some of the greatest highlights we have ever seen, Taylor was a one-of-a-kind player the likes of which the league has never seen. Taylor spent 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the NY Giants. The things he achieved as a player is something every fan dreams of having for their team.