Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; A general view of the New York Giants helmet before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Ernie Accorsi, the long-time general manager of the New York Giants and a member of their Ring of Honor, passed away on Saturday at the age of 84, the team announced.
The Hershey, PA native served as Big Blue’s GM from 1998-2006 and was the architect of a team that won Super Bowl XLII the year after he left. Accorsi brought in head coach Tom Coughlin, considered one of the greatest in franchise history, and worked out the 2004 draft-day trade to acquire Eli Manning from the Chargers for Philip Rivers.
During his nine-season tenure, Accorsi won two NFC East titles, made four playoff appearances, and won an NFC Championship in 2001.
“Ernie helped shape the course of New York Giants history through his vision, leadership, and unwavering belief in building a championship organization,” Giants president John Mara said. “Beyond his accomplishments as a football executive, he was a trusted advisor and dear friend. His legacy will forever be part of the Giants, and he will be greatly missed.”
Accorsi spent 37 years in the NFL, working with the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns before joining the Giants. His legacy was cemented when he acquired Manning, considered the greatest quarterback in franchise history.
“I call Ernie every draft week for the last 12 years, maybe longer than that, and just thank him for making the trade and believing in me and bringing me to the New York Giants,” Manning said. “I know he was the believer in me and kind of the reason I got here. I appreciated him so much for building such great teams and giving us the opportunity to win some championships here. He was always so fun to sit with and just talk, whether it’s the Giants or his time in Baltimore around the Colts. His stories around the NFL and the people he was around that shaped his career were always so entertaining. I know the Giants organization owes a lot of thanks to Ernie Accorsi and what he was able to do for the organization.”
Accorsi was inducted into the Giants’ Ring of Honor on Nov. 14, 2016, alongside Coughlin and Justin Tuck.
For more on Ernie Accorsi and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
