4 biggest NY Giants fan favorites of the last 20 years

Throughout NY Giants history, which includes four Super Bowl wins, we have seen some truly incredible players suit up for the G-Men. Whether it be a stud on offense or a playmaker on defense, the list goes on and on for guys who have been sensational to watch.

This includes plenty of stars over the past 20 years. Time flies when you look back at how much these four players in particular have meant to Big Blue:

4. Saquon Barkley

Selected with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Saquon Barkley came in and set the league on fire in his rookie season. Barkley instantly captivated the Giants fanbase as a rookie by surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards, posting 1,307 rushing yards to go along with 721 receiving yards. He is one of four rookie RBs to record 2,000 or more scrimmage yards in their debut season.

Barkley followed up his 2,000-scrimmage yard rookie season with 1,600 yards from scrimmage in the 2019 campaign. It looked like he truly cemented himself as one of the NFL’s best running backs and a core piece of the Big Blue franchise. Unfortunately for Barkley and fans alike, he tore his ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season. He wasn't able to bounce back the way people thought he'd be able to in 2021, but 2022 sure was a different story.

Barkley came back in a big way. He was the engine of the Giants’ offense under new head coach Brian Daboll. Rushing for 1,312 yards while hauling in 57 receptions and 338 receiving yards, Barkley’s bounce-back season led the Giants to a 9-7-1 regular season record and a shocking postseason appearance. Additionally, he earned a second Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.

Right now, some Giants fans may be a little upset with Barkley for not accepting a long-term offer from Joe Schoen and the front office before the deadline. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that No. 26 has meant so much to the organization for a while now.

3. Victor Cruz

Everyone loves a good underdog story, and Victor Cruz’s story is one worth telling. After going undrafted in 2010, Cruz signed with the Giants and very quickly made a name for himself. Shortly after landing with the Giants, Cruz helped lead the team to a preseason victory over the Jets in dominant fashion. He caught six passes for 145 and three touchdowns while getting the attention of then-Jets head coach Rex Ryan:

While that epic 2010 preseason performance didn’t amount to much playing time in 2010, Cruz got his chance in 2011 and seized the opportunity. After scoring his first career touchdown, he revealed his patented salsa dance celebration to honor his grandmother.

That was only the beginning for Cruz in 2011, as he broke out in a monster way. He caught 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns, earning AP Second Team All-Pro honors. In Week 16 of the 2011 season, he tied the NFL record for longest reception with a 99-yard touchdown catch against none other than the Jets to keep the Giants’ playoff hopes alive.

Cruz followed up an incredible 2011 season with 86 receptions, 1,092 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl appearance. He played a key role in the Giants' 2012 Super Bowl run, posting 10 catches for 142 yards in the NFC Championship Game vs. the 49ers.

Unfortunately, Cruz’s career was cut short due to injury. He was forced to retire in 2018 after suffering a torn patellar tendon that he was never able to recover from. Despite that, he's an NY legend and a guy fans will always love.

2. Michael Strahan

What can you say about Michael Strahan other than the fact that he's one of the best pass-rushers of all time - and he provided Giants fans with countless memories. Strahan was a monster going up against offensive linemen during his days with Big Blue, posting 141.5 career sacks. Strahan retired following the 2007 campaign.

A first-ballot Hall of Famer, seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and the 2001 Defensive Player of the Year, Strahan is one of the most decorated Giants players of all time. He holds the record as Big Blue’s all-time sack leader and is tied with T.J. Watt for the all-time single-season sack record (22.5) since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. In other words, Strahan was a one-man wrecking crew in his day.

No. 92 is retired by the Giants as a result of Strahan’s contributions to the franchise. He also paved his way into the New York Giants Ring of Honor. Not only is he popular amongst Giants fans, but he was also voted to the NFL 2000s All-Decade team. His legacy goes beyond the Giants fanbase, making it an easy decision to include on this list.

1. Eli Manning

As the brother of Peyton Manning, son of Archie Manning, and No. 1 overall selection of the 2004 NFL Draft, Eli Manning came into the league with massive expectations. After refusing to play for the Chargers (who had the No. 1 overall pick in the draft), Manning put a target on himself from day one. However, he did not let that phase him.

As stated for Strahan, banners hang forever. A two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Manning was the catalyst of one the biggest upsets in the history of modern sport, defeating the Patriots and ending their perfect season. In that Super Bowl victory, Manning pulled off one of the most remarkable and memorable highlights in NFL history:

He is just one of six players in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowl MVPs. The other five players are Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Patrick Mahomes, Terry Bradshaw, and Bart Starr. That is quite an exclusive and illustrious list of some of the greatest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.

Manning was incredibly tough, too. He made 210 consecutive starts for the Giants, the third-longest streak in NFL history by a quarterback. He ranks 10th all-time in both passing yards and touchdowns while leading the 11th-most game-winning drives since 1960. Like Strahan, he is a member of the New York Giants Ring of Honor.

Aside from his efforts on the field, Manning was/is also fantastic off of it. In 2016, he earned the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, awarded to players in honor of their philanthropic work and community influence. It is the NFL’s most prestigious award and one that players and members of the league do not take lightly. The former NY QB is a legend through and through.

READ MORE: 5 biggest losers from the Giants not extending Saquon Barkley