Ernie Accorsi, the longtime NFL executive who pulled off the New York Giants’ trade for Eli Manning and helped build the team that upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, died Saturday at the age of 84. Accorsi was a valuable executive for multiple NFL teams — and he also played a key role in shaping the career of one of the most recognizable names in NFL media.
Accorsi was general manager for three teams: the Baltimore Colts (1982-83), Cleveland Browns (1985-92) and the Giants (1998-2006).
With the Giants, Accorsi hired Super Bowl-winning head coach Tom Coughlin in January 2004. Three months later, he made the draft-day trade for Manning.
“Ernie will always be remembered, and I say this out of great respect — he’s the guy that made the trade for Eli Manning,” Coughlin said in a statement released by the Giants. “That will go down in Giants history as one of the great moves of all time. Was it risky? Sure it was risky. Ernie did it. Shut the door, went in, he did it on his own. It was his move.”
The NFL released the following statement Sunday from commissioner Roger Goodell:
“Ernie Accorsi was one of the most respected football minds in NFL history and a dear friend whos...