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Roosevelt Brown: The Greatest OT in Giants History

By Michael Stewart

With the current lack of talent at the RT position for the Giants this season. I decided to turn back the clock to a time when the Giants had arguably the best tackle at that time in the league and the best in their history in Roosevelt Brown.

Yes, the ggreatest OT in Giants history. The Giants selected Brown in the 27th round (that’s right, the 27th round) with the 321st pick in the 1953 NFL draft. It was by chance the Giants even knew of Brown, who played his college ball at Morgan State. An article appeared in the Pittsburgh Courier’s All-American team featuring Brown. The Giants management was so impressed with the article, they decided to draft him to a one-year contract ($3,500).

In his rookie season, Brown appeared in all 12 games for the Giants, who were not a playoff caliber team at that point (3-9 record). The well-built Brown was ahead of his time in terms of the typical OT during that time, His athletic frame looked more like a linebacker of today and his speed was unmatched among the OT of that era. Following his rookie season, Brown continued his success in 1954 and 1955 by playing all the games; as the Giants were steadily improving with 7-5 and 6-5-1 records. In 1956, the Giants turned the corner with a 8-3-1 record and found themselves in the NFL Championship game against the Chicago Bears. The Giants responded with an overwhelming victory 47-7 behind the solid blocking behind Brown.

Brown remained a fixture with the Giants from 1953-1965 and during his prime years 1956-1963; he helped lead the Giants to 6 division championships and 1 NFL championship. Brown not only excelled at OT, but also contributed on the kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return and the defensive line during goal line stance. Brown’s brilliant career totaled 162 games (only missing 4 games during a 13 year career); which included the following honors:

  • NFL 1950’s All-Decade Team
  • 1975 inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame
  • 9 time Pro Bowl
  • 6 time 1st team All-Pro
  • New York Giants Ring of Honor

Final Thoughts: Without question, Roosevelt Brown will be the best value pick by the Giants in team history, based on his talents and achievements with the Giants and where he was drafted. Lawrence Taylor will forever be the greatest New York Giants player of all-time, but Brown will always be the greatest value pick by the Giants in team history.