Ernie Accorsi, Architect of Giants' Super Bowl Runs, Dies at 84

Ernie Accorsi, the former general manager who drafted Eli Manning and significantly shaped the New York Giants franchise, died Saturday night, the team announced Sunday. He was 84.

Accorsi had been undergoing treatment for cancer. His tenure with the Giants began in 1994 as an assistant general manager to George Young, and he was promoted to general manager in 1998. He retired after the 2006 season.

During his time leading the Giants' front office, the team reached Super Bowl XXXV, where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Accorsi's most impactful decision was orchestrating the trade to draft quarterback Eli Manning in 2004. This move proved pivotal, as Manning would later lead the Giants to victories in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI.

Even after his retirement, Accorsi's influence was acknowledged when he received a Super Bowl ring for his role in building the team that defeated the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Manning himself noted Accorsi's belief in him and his instrumental role in bringing him to New York.

"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," Manning said in a statement released by the team. "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."

Before his extensive career in NFL management, Accorsi, a native of Hershey, Pennsylvania, served in the U.S. Army and worked as a sportswriter. He also held general manager positions with the Baltimore Colts and Cleveland Browns before joining the Giants organization.