NY Giants To Induct Seven New Members Into Their Ring Of Honor
The NY Giants are a franchise that has been around since 1925. It is safe to say they have had some great players. The team announced the seven new members going into the Ring of Honor. We preview them below.
Post practice on Tuesday was memorable for several past players who thought they were there to motivate the team after being introduced by head coach Brian Daboll. However, when NY Giants president and CEO John Mara came out, the dream of being inducted into the team’s Ring Of Honor became a reality for former running backs Joe Morris, Ottis Andersen, and Rodney Hampton, as well as former defensive end Leonard Marshall. In addition, 47-year team veteran Ronnie Barnes, currently the senior vice president of medical services, will also share in the honor.
Mara had contacted the families of halfback/receiver Kyle Rote and defensive back Jimmy Patton to let them know the two legends will round out the class. Unfortunately, Rote passed away in 2002, while Patton passed in 1972.
Joe Morris, Running Back, 1982-1989
Morris was a second-round draft pick in 1982. Affectionately known as “Little Joe,” the 5’9 back was a catalyst to a Super Bowl XXI victory. He rushed for 1,516 yards that season for the fourth-best total in franchise history. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice. He is currently third in franchise history with his 5,296 rushing yards and 1,318 carries. He had 48 career touchdowns and 19 100-yard games. Morris holds the record for most touchdowns in a season with 21.
Ottis Andersen, Running Back, 1986-1992
Despite playing in 83 career games with the NY Giants, “OJ” was a fan favorite when he was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals in 1986. Andersen played on the Super Bowl XXI and XXV winning teams while being named the MVP in SB XXV after rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown. In addition, Andersen was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1989 when he rushed for 1,023 yards on 325 carries as he took over for an injured Joe Morris. Andersen is one of the 31 NFL running backs to finish their career with over 10,000 yards (10,273).
Rodney Hampton, Running Back, 1990-97
The third running back on the list, Hampton was the NY Giants’ 1990 first-round pick and played his entire career with the team. Hampton is second in franchise history with 6,897 rushing yards and 1,824 carries. He rattled off five straight 1,000-yard seasons (1991-1995) and had 17 100-yard games along with 49 touchdowns. Hampton, although injured, was a member of the 1990 Super Bowl XXV team and held the longest run (51 yards) in the NY Giants playoff history.
Leonard Marshall, Defensive Lineman, 1983-92
This Giants legend was a second-round pick in the 1983 draft out of LSU. He was a mainstay on the line for 149 games and played on both the Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV winning teams. He is third in franchise history with 79.5 sacks. Marshall had three sacks total in the two Super Bowls, including seven overall in the postseason, second in franchise history. A Pro-Bowler in 1985 and 1986 and was named the NFL Defensive Lineman of the year in both those years.
Jimmy Patton, Defensive Back, 1955-66
Patton, an eight-round pick for the NY Giants in 1955, became one of the greatest defensive backs in the team’s history. Patton is second in franchise history, a five-time All-Pro (1958-1962) with 52 career interceptions. Second in franchise history with 712 interception return yards and led the NFL in 1958 with 11 interceptions, tied for the most in NFL history for a season. Patton died at the young age of 39 in an auto accident on December 22nd, 1972.
Kyle Rote, Halfback/Receiver, 1951-61
Rote was the number one overall pick in the 1951 NFL Draft. He was a member of the 1956 Championship team and played in three other title games with the NY Giants. Drafted as a running back, Rote went to four Pro Bowls (1953-1956). A knee injury forced a switch to receiver. HE retired as the franchise leader in receptions with 300 yards with 4,797 and touchdown catches with 48.
Ronnie Barnes, Sr. Vice President of Medical Services, 1976-present
Barnes has been with the NY Giants organization since 1976, 47 years. He was the head athletic trainer since 1980 and was promoted to Vice President of Medical Services in 2003 and Sr. Vice President in 2011. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in 1999. In addition, he was voted Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2002. Barnes was the first African-American graduate of the School of Medicine at his alma mater East Carolina University.
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