Giants By The Numbers: 18 is for ...

by Ed Valentine on May 12, 2010 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants By The Numbers

Jeff Feagles.

Let's call this one final honor for one of the best punters in league history from us here at Big Blue View. And, it is one that is deserved.

The only other guy who is probably even in the conversation is Joe Danelo, the Giants' placekicker from 1976-82. Danelo's career percentage of 59.1 as a Giant, though, makes Lawrence Tynes look like Hall of Fame material.

Another notable 18 would be a player indicative of the disastrous 1970s for the Giants. That would be cornerback Eldridge Small, drafted in the first round by the Giants in 1972 and out of the league three seasons and one paltry interception later.

Feagles wore three different numbers -- 10, 17 and 18 -- in his seven seasons with the Giants. He wore 18 for five seasons, however, and as a Giant no one has worn it better.

When he retired recently, we went through his myriad of accomplishments. I wrote a piece honoring Feagles' lengthy career. Tom Coughlin spoke effusively about him.

There is little more that we can add today. Except that in the glorious history of the Giants' franchise, being the best No. 18 to ever wear a Giants' uniform is one more honor for Feagles.

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As a Giants fan

for just over 25 years I have two comments on the numbers from 1 to 19

Firstly the number of current players that I know

Secondly that for some numbers there has been only one choice.

For such a storied frnachise I would have expected more older players to be at least considered even if not the actual selection. Or did I just happen to start supporting the Giants after many years (or decades) of poor teams/players.

by G Fan in England on May 12, 2010 7:21 AM EDT reply actions

I believe it's the way #s are assigned.

Look at all the kickers already chosen. As we keep going, I’m sure you’ll see names of more old-timers, for instance Cal Hubbard, probably the biggest player of his era (6’5", 250) who ran the 100 in under ten seconds. I knew him mostly as a baseball umpire who made the players look like little leaguers. He’s the only one I believe in both the baseball and football HOF

by blue gonz on May 12, 2010 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions

hats off to Feags

didn’t he sell his previous number? Smart man.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on May 12, 2010 10:07 AM EDT reply actions

FEAGS!!

Just keep winning

by FreeBradshaw on May 12, 2010 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

i know its not our number one priority but it would be nice to see a giant kicker get the ball past the twenty yard line.

by druze control on May 12, 2010 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

Feag is the maaan but

These Giants by the #’s posts are KILLING me lmao, sorry Ed, had to say it, im sure the others love it tho.

Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!

by Blue Gates on May 12, 2010 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Killing you?

Why? I know some of the numbers are crazy (wait until you see 19). But, hey, the off-season is the time for meandering through history a little bit.

by Ed Valentine on May 12, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Alright

an Eldridge Small reference, if you didn’t mention it, I think I just might have forgot about him, the glory days.

by Great Gatsby on May 12, 2010 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

I have a special "feeling"

for the number 18 and I can say that I was always happy to see Feagles in it. Great. Punter.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on May 12, 2010 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

Bob Timberlake

Not that it matters much (he didn’t last long) but memory says Bob Timberlake wore 18 in the 60’s. couldn’t confirm via google.

by pjhimself on May 12, 2010 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

One year for Timberlake

by Ed Valentine on May 12, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Another option........?

How about Joe Danelo the kicker.He beat Dallas to put us in the playoffs for the first time in many years.I think it was the first time since the team played at the Meadowlands.I have no problem with Feagles but the memory of Danelo making that kick agaisnt Dallas stands out in my mind to this day.

by GENEA on May 12, 2010 4:34 PM EDT reply actions