15 Most Devastating Hits in New York Giants History

The New York Giants are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, and with that comes a tradition of great defenses over the years.

Not to mention some Giants players who have taken big hits over the years themselves. And is there anything more we love as NFL fans than big hits?

Here are some of the more devastating hits in Giants history. Obviously there are some I will not list, so feel free to add your own to the mix.

James Butler Crushes Nate Washington

James Butler was a very underrated safety for the Giants for a couple of seasons. On this play, he busts Nate Washington and sends him to the sideline.

Eli Manning Owned by Calvin Pace

We all remember the scene of Eli Manning running off the field with blood gushing from his head. His helmet did most of that damage, but Calvin Pace definitely put the hurt on Eli.

Brandon Jacobs Makes LaRon Landry His Punching Bag

Brandon Jacobs has many of these hits in his career, and LaRon Landry was the unfortunate victim in this instance.

Asante Samuel Gets the Best of Derek Hagan

Unless you're an Eagles fan, you probably don't know Asante Samuel can actually lay the thunder on occasion. Derek Hagan found that out the hard way on this play.

Jeremy Shockey Ruins the Life of a Colts Player

Jeremy Shockey quickly became a fan favorite when he took away this Colts player's man card, making him look like a child and trampling him like a bull.

Shockey has had many other plays like this in his career, but this is definitely his best hit yet.

Brandon Jacobs Sends a Message to Charles Woodson

In this NFC Championship game, it was clear early on the Giants would not back down.

What better way to do that then handing the ball to your 264-pound bruiser?

Ronnie Lott Nails Mark Bavaro

Ronnie Lott would get the better of Mark Bavaro on this play, but as you'll see later, Bavaro gets his payback.

Still, this was a pretty huge hit by Lott, who is known as one of the greatest hitters of all time.

Mark Bavaro Carries 49ers 20 Yards

So it's not technically a hit but rather an incredible showing of brute strength and determination. Bavaro does deliver some punishment on the play, however.

If you ask any Giants fan to recall some of their favorite moments, this makes at least the top five for everyone.

Brandon Jacobs Waves Goodbye to Brian Urlacher

Brian Urlacher is one of the best defensive players in the league and has been known to punish opposing players.

Brandon Jacobs makes him look like a rag doll on this play.

Jim Burt Hammers Joe Montana

In this 1986 playoff game, Jim Burt did the Giants a favor by knocking Joe Montana out of the game with this colossal take down.

Lawrence Taylor's Career

I could put a bunch of L.T.'s hits on here, but as you'll see, I only singled out one of them.

L.T. provided so many incredible hits, I could do a slideshow on his career alone.

In the video, many quarterbacks suffer huge hits as a victim of L.T.

Gary Reasons Makes Bobby Humphrey Wish He Hadn't Been Born

On this incredible goal line stand, Gary Reasons delivers one of the more crushing hits in NFL history. John Madden described it best—"That is football."

Chuck Bednarik Destroys Frank Gifford

You can't make a list of devastating hits concerning the Giants without including one of the biggest and most memorable hits in NFL history.

Chuck Bednarik of the Eagles absolutely hammers All-World receiver/tailback Frank Gifford on this play, a hit no Giants fan during that time will ever forget.

Leonard Marshall Knocks out Joe Montana

If you were alive to see this game or have ever heard about it, you may remember the crushing blow delivered to Joe Montana by Leonard Marshall.

Ironically, Jim Burt, who was seen on this slideshow earlier for knocking out Montana, was the motivation for this hit. He had taken a big shot at Jeff Hostetler earlier in the game.

Lawrence Taylor Ends Joe Theismann's Career

Of course, one of the most famous hits in Giants history is when Lawrence Taylor viciously broke Joe Theismann's leg and ended his career.

I'll let the video do the talking.