Ernie Accorsi Who Engineered Giants’ Trade For Eli Manning as GM Has Passed at 84

Very sad news emerging from out of East Rutherford. Ernie Accorsi, who engineered the Giants’ trade for Eli Manning as GM and helped build a two-time Super Bowl roster has passed away at the age of 84. Accorsi was a longtime NFL executive who had a hand in rosters for the Colts, Browns and Giants.

Born on Oct. 29, 1941 in Hershey, Pa., Accorsi was the Giants’ general manager from 1998-2006. After serving as an assistant under George Young for four seasons. The Giants were the final stop in Accorsi’s remarkable 37-year career. Which included successful stints as the general manager of the Baltimore Colts (he saw Johnny Unitas throw his first pass in a Colt uniform in a 1956 preseason game in his hometown of Hershey and his last one while working for the team); and the Cleveland Browns.

Nonetheless, New York has lost another legend. One decision on draft day ended up shaping an entire era of Giants football. Leading to multiple titles. And NY fans have this Architect to thank for it.

As news of Ernie’s passing spread, SNY Giants released a statement honoring and discussing Accorsi’s career. SNY stated:

“Former Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi has passed away at the age of 84.

Accorsi served as a general manager for the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and later, the Giants from 1998-2006. Accorsi’s Giants teams made the playoffs four times, including a trip to Super Bowl XXXV against the Ravens. Accorsi also executed a draft day trade in 2004 that brought Eli Manning to New York and sent Philip Rivers and three picks to the Chargers. Accorsi retired from the role in 2006, but his draft picks and free agent additions played a key role on the Giants’ 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl-winning teams. RIP.”

Furthermore, Eli Manning was among the first to offer condolences. Manning says,

“I was extremely sad to hear the news about Ernie. 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. 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.”

Ernie Accorsi Who Engineered Giants’ Trade For Eli Manning as GM Has Passed at 84

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell weighed in on the loss, as well. Goodell mentions,

“Ernie Accorsi was one of the most respected football minds in NFL history and a dear friend whose wisdom and perspective / valued tremendously. Throughout his remarkable career, he shaped championship-caliber clubs and earned the admiration of everyone who worked with him.

Ernie’s impact extended beyond the teams he served. As co-chair of the General Managers Advisory Committee, he helped guide our game and strengthen the NFL. His integrity, common sense and commitment to doing what was best for football made him an invaluable voice. Ernie was thoughtful, humble, and he cared deeply about the people in our league. He never lost sight of the relationships that make football special and we will all greatly miss him.”

In his early days, Accorsi spent time as a sportswriter at three newspapers. The Charlotte News, the Baltimore Sun and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He also worked in the athletic departments at St. Joseph’s University and Penn State University. However, he began his career in professional sports in 1970 as the public relations director for the Baltimore Colts.

Ernie Accorsi is only the second general manager inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor. He passed away peacefully Saturday while surrounded by the love of his family.

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