Ernie Accorsi, architect of Giants' success and Eli Manning trade, dies at 84
The former general manager, who also held executive roles with the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns, was instrumental in building championship teams.
Ernie Accorsi, a prominent figure in NFL front offices whose tenure as general manager of the New York Giants included the pivotal 2004 draft-day trade for Eli Manning, has died at the age of 84. The Giants organization confirmed his passing.
During his time as Giants' general manager from 1998 to 2006, Accorsi was credited with assembling the roster that reached Super Bowl XXXV and laying the groundwork for the team's eventual Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championships under Manning's leadership. He also previously served as general manager for the Baltimore Colts and as executive vice president of football operations for the Cleveland Browns.
Accorsi's most enduring move is widely considered the trade that brought Eli Manning to New York. In the 2004 NFL Draft, the Giants traded the rights to Philip Rivers to the San Diego Chargers to acquire Manning, a decision that profoundly shaped the franchise's history.
Manning reflected on Accorsi's impact, stating, "I call Ernie every draft week for the last 12 years... 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." He added that Accorsi "was always so fun to sit with and just talk" and that "the Giants organization owes a lot of thanks to Ernie Accorsi and what he was able to do for the organization."
Giants president John Mara recognized Accorsi's contributions, saying in a statement, "Ernie helped shape the course of New York Giants history through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in building a championship organization." Mara also noted Accorsi's role as a "trusted advisor and dear friend," adding that his "legacy will forever be part of the Giants."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also paid tribute, calling Accorsi "one of the most respected football minds in NFL history and a dear friend." Goodell highlighted Accorsi's ability to "shape championship-caliber clubs" and his broader influence on the league as co-chair of the General Managers Advisory Committee, commending his "integrity, common sense and commitment to doing what was best for football."
In 2016, Accorsi was inducted into the Giants' Ring of Honor alongside Tom Coughlin and Justin Tuck.
His family expressed gratitude for his career and the relationships he built. "Our family is deeply grateful to each of them and to the many people who became lifelong friends along the way," the Accorsi family said in a statement. "The Giants were far more than a team to him. They were family, and being part of that family was something he treasured."