Former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, who made the famous 2004 draft day trade to bring Eli Manning to New York, passed away Saturday at the age of 84, the team announced. “Ernie helped shape the course of New York Giants history through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in building a championship organization,” Giants owner John Mara said in a statement. “Beyond his accomplishments as a ...

2016 Giants Ring of Honor Inductee Ernie Accorsi speaks during the halftime ceremony of the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 14, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J..

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Former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, who made the famous 2004 draft day trade to bring Eli Manning to New York, passed away Saturday at the age of 84, the team announced.

“Ernie helped shape the course of New York Giants history through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in building a championship organization,” Giants owner John Mara said in a statement. “Beyond his accomplishments as a football executive, he was a trusted advisor and dear friend. His legacy will forever be part of the Giants, and he will be greatly missed.”

Accorsi’s career in the NFL spanned 37 years. He drafted John Elway No. 1 overall for the Baltimore Colts.

Accorsi, who became only the second general manager inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor, was instrumental in bringing Tom Coughlin and Manning to the Giants franchise.

In Accorsi’s nine years as GM, the Giants won two NFC East titles, earned four postseason berths and advanced to Super Bowl XXXV. He retired at the end of the 2006 season. The Giants won the Super Bowl the following season under GM Jerry Reese and gave Accorsi a championship ring.

“Ernie Accorsi was one of the most respected football minds in NFL history and a dear friend whose wisdom and perspective I valued tremendously,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Throughout his remarkable career, he shaped championship-caliber clubs and earned the admiration of everyone who worked with him.

“Ernie’s impact extended beyond the teams he served,” Goodell said. “As co-chair of the General Managers Advisory Committee, he helped guide our game and strengthen the NFL. His integrity, common sense and commitment to doing what was best for football made him an invaluable voice. Ernie was thoughtful, humble, and he cared deeply about the people in our league. He never lost sight of the relationships that make football special and we will all greatly miss him.”

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