Established
1925
City
New York
League History
1925 - Present / National Football League
Team History
1925 - Present / New York Giants
Nickname
Giants - The New York Giants are one of the most iconic teams in NFL history, and their nickname has been part of American sports culture for generations. But where did this beloved moniker come from? Let's look at the origin story behind the legendary team name "Giants."
New York Giants Origin
It all started in 1925 when an ownership group led by Tim Mara purchased a new professional football franchise based out of New York City. The team was initially called “the Giants” as a reference to its large market size compared to other franchises around that time. In essence, it was meant to signify that they were bigger than everyone else – hence why they chose such an imposing name!
But there is more than meets the eye with this nickname; it also pays homage to some local baseball lore. Back then, two rival teams played each other on alternating days at what has now known as Yankee Stadium: The National League’s New York Giants and American League’s Yankees (formerly Highlanders). As such, many fans began referring collectively to them as “the Big Apple Teams," which eventually became shortened into just “Giants" over time - making perfect sense for our beloved football franchise!
Today we still honor these roots every game day when players from both sides run onto the field wearing jerseys adorned with those same three letters: G-I-A-N-T-S! It truly serves as a reminder not only about how far our beloved organization has come since those early days but also how much respect we have for its rich heritage & tradition - something no true fan could ever forget or deny!
Championship
Super Bowl 4
2012, 2008, 1991, 1987
NFL Championships 3
1956, 1938, 1934
APFA/NFL Standings Champion 1
1927
Stadium
2011 - Present / MetLife Stadium
2010 / New Meadowlands Stadium
1976 - 2009 / Giants Stadium
1975 / Shea Stadium
1973 - 1974 / Yale Bowl
1956 - 1973 / Yankee Stadium
1925 - 1955 / Polo Grounds
Owner
2005 - Present / John Mara and Steve Tisch
1991 - 2004 / Bob Tisch
1965 - 2004 / Wellington Mara
1965 - 1990 / Tim J. Mara
1959 - 1964 / Jack Mara and Wellington Mara
1925 - 1958 / Tim Mara
- 1925
- 1986
- 1990
- 1991
- 2007
- 2010
- 2011
New York Giants Team Formation
The Giants were founded in 1925 by original owner Tim Mara with an investment of $500. Legally named “New York Football Giants” (which they still are to this day) to distinguish themselves from the baseball team of the same name, they became one of the first teams in the then five-year-old National Football League. In 1919, Charles Stoneham, the owner ...
Super Bowl XXI Winner 1986
After 9–7 and 10–6 finishes in 1984 and 1985 respectively, the Giants compiled a 14–2 record in 1986 led by league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Lawrence Taylor and the Big Blue Wrecking Crew defense. As of 2012, this is the Giants’ best regular-season record since the NFL began playing sixteen-game seasons in 1978. After clinching the top ...
Super Bowl XXV Winner 1990
Super Bowl XXV was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Buffalo Bills and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1990 season. The Giants defeated the Bills by the score of 20–19, winning their second Super Bowl. It is the only Super Bowl ...
Steve Tisch New Owner
In 1991, Tim Mara, struggling with cancer at the time, sold his half of the team to Steve Tisch for a reported $80 million. This marked the first time in franchise history the team had not been solely owned by the Mara family.
Super Bowl XLII Winner 2007
Super Bowl XLII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2007 season. The Giants defeated the Patriots by the score of 17–14. The game was played on February 3, 2008, at the ...
MetLife Stadium Opens – Giants
In 2010, MetLife Stadium opened, replacing Giants Stadium. The new stadium is a 50/50 partnership between the Giants and Jets, and while the stadium is owned by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority on paper, the two teams jointly built the stadium using private funds, and administer it jointly through New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation. The Giants had previously planned ...
Super Bowl XLVI Winner 2011
Super Bowl XLVI was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2011 season. The Giants defeated the Patriots by the score of 21–17. The game was played on February 5, 2012, at Lucas ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Giants History
The New York Giants history stretches back nearly a century and tells the story of one of football’s most decorated franchises. Founded in 1925, the Giants quickly built a winning tradition. Over the years, the team has earned eight championships, including four Super Bowl titles, while shaping the legacy of the New York Giants NFL era. Learn more on Wikipedia.
From the very start, the New York Giants history shows how the team captured fans’ attention. Their first game at Yankee Stadium drew 32,000 people, a massive crowd at the time. That early momentum gave the Giants a strong foundation to dominate for decades, both in championships and in building their fan base.
The 1934 season became a landmark in New York Giants history. That year, the Giants finished 13-1 and went on to win the championship. Coach Steve Owen’s “Umbrella Defense” was groundbreaking and shaped the way teams approached strategy. This success helped solidify the team’s long-term place in the NFL.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, New York Giants history continued to shine under coaches Ray Flaherty and Jim Lee Howell. Both guided the team to multiple championships, proving the Giants’ consistency as an elite franchise. Their leadership kept the team competitive even as the NFL expanded and changed.
New York Giants Achievements
The modern era added more highlights to New York Giants history. Legendary names like Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan, and Eli Manning defined different generations. Coughlin’s leadership in 2007 and 2011 delivered two dramatic Super Bowl wins, showing the Giants’ ability to thrive in critical moments.
Looking back, the New York Giants history is filled with resilience, innovation, and legendary performances. From early championships to modern Super Bowl triumphs, the Giants remain a cornerstone of the New York Giants NFL tradition. Their history continues to inspire fans and secure their place as one of football’s most iconic franchises.
Mount Rushmore of New York Giants: Legendary Players Revealed!
Join us as we deeply dive into the illustrious history of the New York Giants, unveiling the top Mount Rushmore players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. From Hall of Famers to Super Bowl heroes.
Retired Number
1 / Ray Flaherty
4 / Tuffy Leemans
7 / Mel Hein
11 / Phil Simms
14 / Ward Cuff
14 / Y. A. Tittle
16 / Frank Gifford
32 / Al Blozis
40 / Joe Morrison
42 / Charlie Conerly
50 / Ken Strong
56 / Lawrence Taylor
92 / Michael Strahan
*Blue is this team’s history