India, Sept. 20 -- Ernie Accorsi, the legendary NFL front-office architect who reshaped the New York Giants and engineered the franchise-altering trade for Eli Manning, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026. He was 84.

The New York Giants announced his passing on Sunday, drawing heartfelt tributes across the league. Over a 37-year NFL career, Accorsi left an indelible mark on three franchises: the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Giants.

The 2004 Eli Manning Masterstroke

Accorsi's legacy is permanently linked to the 2004 NFL Draft. Holding the No. 4 pick, Accorsi focused entirely on Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, famously concluding his pre-draft scouting report with: "These guys are rare, you know."

When the...