Ernie Accorsi Dies at Age 84, Legendary NFL Exec Was Inducted in Giants' Ring of Honor

The New York Giants announced the death of former general manager Ernie Accorsi on Saturday at the age of 84.

Accorsi was the architect of the team that reached Super Bowl XXXV and assembled much of the squad that upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

The organization inducted him into its Ring of Honor in 2016.

"Ernie helped shape the course of New York Giants history through his vision, leadership and unwavering belief in building a championship organization," team president John Mara said. "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."

Acquiring Eli Manning in a 2004 draft-day trade with the San Diego Chargers was the biggest move of Accorsi's tenure. Osi Umenyiora, Jeremy Shockey, Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs all arrived through the draft as well, and Super Bowl hero David Tyree was a sixth-round pick in 2003.

The hiring of Tom Coughlin as head coach in 2004 made a large impact. Coughlin only had a .531 winning percentage in the regular season, but he knew what buttons to push in the playoffs as the Giants took down New England a second time in Super Bowl XLVI.

As much credit as Accorsi receives for the Giants' success, his work in the Cleveland Browns' front office is just as impressive. He took over as Cleveland's general manager in 1985, which is when the team embarked on a five-year postseason streak.

The Browns advanced to the AFC title game in 1986, 1987 and 1989. Accorsi used a first-round pick in the 1985 supplemental draft to get the franchise icon, quarterback Bernie Kosar, who is so synonymous with that run.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Ernie Accorsi, who helped lead the construction of our unforgettable teams from the 80s as General Manager," the Browns said in a statement .

Accorsi's professional time in football goes all the way back to 1970, when he was a public relations director for the Baltimore Colts. His executive career included a brief foray into baseball. He worked for the Baltimore Orioles in 1994 before accepting a job in the Giants' front office.