Former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi died on Saturday at the age of 84, the team announced. The former executive and Ring of Honor inductee, who was instrumental in acquiring Eli Manning, which led to two Super Bowl runs, passed away surrounded by his family. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Accorsi "one of the most respected football minds in NFL history and a dear friend whose wisdom and perspective I valued tremendously." Accorsi spent nearly four decades (37) in the NFL, with his final stop as general manager of the Giants.
After serving under George Young for four years, Accorsi first took the job in 1998 and helped run the organization through the 2006 season, after which he retired. Over his tenure, the Giants won two NFC East titles, made the playoffs four times, and advanced to Super Bowl XXXV. "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 in a statement.
"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 was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2016 alongside head coach Tom Coughlin and Justin Tuck. "Ernie was very decisive, very opinionated," Coughlin said in a statement.
"His mind was as sharp as a tack. He was a great storyteller, great storyteller. He loved to have an audience and laugh, and then everyone else would laugh with him.
He was great with punchlines. My experience, of course, Ernie and John Mara interviewed me when I became the head coach back in 2004. I didn't realize that within a couple of years, Ernie was getting ready to retire.
Nevertheless, we had a great challenge and we went forward from there. I always enjoyed working with Ernie, I always enjoyed talking with Ernie. "Ernie will always be remembered, and I say this out of great respect, he's the guy that made the trade for Eli Manning.
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