Players have always found strength in numbers. 

For some, it's tradition or a tribute, and for others it's superstition.

Teams retire the best numbers so they can never be worn again. History showcases them for fans to honor.

When the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots today in Super Bowl XLVI, one number just may make a difference in the outcome for the Giants.

It's a number that has not been retired or been worn by a superstar athlete; however, it has been worn by a player that makes the biggest plays in the Super Bowl for the New York Giants.

That number is No. 85.


Super Bowl XLVI

In 1990, the New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 20-19. A little wide receiver known as Stephen "The Touchdown Maker" Baker, who wore No. 85, caught two passes for 31 yards, including a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jeff Hostetler late in the second quarter to put the Giants back in the game.

 

Super Bowl XXLI

In this matchup of David and Goliath, the 18-0 Patriots were expected to steamroll over the outmatched Giants. Eli Manning, who was trying to orchestrate a game-saving drive, looked down for the count when a miracle happened. 

The QB ducked, twisted and spun out of the grasp of four Patriot defenders, avoiding a sack. He then heaved up a jump-ball that was grabbed by David Tyree, No. 85. The little-known wide receiver pinned the ball to his helmet with one hand and held on as he was smothered by Patriots safety Rodney Harrison. The 33-yard catch would go on to be one of the best and most important catches in Super Bowl history.

Tyree also caught a five-yard touchdown pass earlier in the game.

 

Super Bowl XLVI

Jake Ballard, the Giants tight end, has persevered through a storm of highs and lows in his short career.

The current No. 85 was signed by the Giants in 2010 as a free agent out of Ohio State, and he was promptly cut in August before the season ever got started. He was re-signed in September only to be cut again in November, then once again re-signed a few days later.

In 2011, the Giants executed a very unpopular move by not re-signing TE Kevin Boss. The boos and dissatisfaction rained down from the fanbase and the analysts.

Why would the Giants make Jake Ballard the starting tight end? 

During his entire career at Ohio State, he never caught more than 34 passes. The coaching staff promised to get Ballard the ball more, but that was until scrambling machine Terrelle Pryor moved in at quarterback in 2008.

For a 6' 6", 275-pound guy, he is quite nimble, finding pockets for Manning to thread him the ball. However, Eli doesn't always ask his tight end to make the routine catch. Ballard has demonstrated an amazing toughness only to be matched with a set of very soft hands.

Ballard has made numerous catches in big spots, including two during the regular-season matchup with the Patriots in November. 

The secret weapon for Super Bowl XLVI—a heavy dose of Jake Ballard.

I am sure there is a little magic left over from Baker and Tyree to propel Ballard into history...or at least a Super Bowl win and a place in Giants fans' memories.