Ernie Accorsi, Architect of Eli Manning's Arrival to the Giants, Dies at 84
The former Giants general manager, known for his original approach and deep sports knowledge, passed away following a brief battle with cancer.
Ernie Accorsi, the influential former general manager of the New York Giants and the executive credited with bringing Eli Manning to the team, has died at the age of 84. Accorsi passed away Saturday night after a brief illness.
Accorsi was widely remembered as a unique figure in the NFL, characterized by his originality, sharp wit, and encyclopedic knowledge of sports history. His tenure with the Giants was marked by a tenacious pursuit of talent and a deep connection to the game. He served as general manager from 1998 to 2006, a period that included the drafting of quarterback Eli Manning in 2004, a move that would become one of his most significant achievements.
Beyond his role with the Giants, Accorsi's career spanned various aspects of professional sports. He began his career as a sportswriter, notably breaking the news of Wilt Chamberlain's trade to the Lakers for the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1968. He also had a hand in shaping aspects of the 1982 film "Diner," contributing to dialogue for a pivotal scene.
His career in NFL management included a significant period with the Baltimore Colts, where he played a role in drafting John Elway in 1983. However, Elway was traded to the Denver Broncos by owner Bob Irsay, a move that reportedly pained Accorsi. He later acquired Bernie Kosar for the Cleveland Browns in the 1985 supplemental draft.
Accorsi often spoke of his mentors, including George Young, the former Giants general manager who hired him as assistant GM. Upon Young's retirement, he described Accorsi as someone who "knows who to talk to and he knows who not to listen to."
Accorsi remained connected to the Giants after his retirement in 2006, receiving a Super Bowl XLII ring even though he was no longer the GM, a testament to his foundational role in building that championship team. His influence and the many "Ernie stories" are expected to continue to resonate within the Giants organization.
Accorsi often cited Robert Browning's line, "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" He lived by this philosophy, striving for and achieving significant goals throughout his impactful career.
