Ernie Accorsi Obituary: Former Giants GM Who Acquired Eli Manning Dies at 84
The New York Giants and the wider NFL community are mourning the death of Ernie Accorsi, the longtime football executive and former Giants general manager who played an important role in shaping the franchise’s modern history. Accorsi passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family, the Giants confirmed.
No specific cause of death was announced.
Accorsi served as the Giants’ general manager from 1998 through 2006 after spending four seasons as an assistant general manager under legendary executive George Young. During his nine seasons leading the organization, the Giants won two NFC East titles, reached the playoffs four times and advanced to Super Bowl XXXV.
His influence on the franchise extended beyond those accomplishments. Accorsi hired Tom Coughlin as head coach in 2004 and made the decision that became one of the most significant moves in Giants history: acquiring quarterback Eli Manning from the San Diego Chargers during the 2004 NFL Draft.
The Giants initially selected Philip Rivers with the fourth overall pick before completing the trade that brought Manning to New York. Manning eventually became the franchise’s all-time leading quarterback and guided the Giants to victories in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in both games.
Accorsi’s football career spanned 37 years and included executive roles with the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns and Giants. Before entering NFL front offices, he worked as a sportswriter for newspapers including the Charlotte News, Baltimore Sun and Philadelphia Inquirer. He began his professional football career in 1970 as the Baltimore Colts’ public relations director.
His tenure with Cleveland was also significant. As Browns general manager, Accorsi helped the team win four AFC Central Division titles in five years and reach three AFC Championship Games.
Accorsi was inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor in 2016 alongside Coughlin and former defensive end Justin Tuck. Giants President John Mara remembered him as someone whose vision, leadership and belief in building a championship organization helped shape the franchise.
Manning also paid tribute to Accorsi, saying he had called him during draft week for many years to thank him for believing in him and bringing him to New York.
For Giants supporters, Accorsi’s legacy will remain closely connected to the decisions that helped build championship teams. His decades of service, relationships throughout professional football and lasting influence on the New York Giants will continue to be remembered as the organization, former players, colleagues and fans mourn his passing.
