NFL.com's Scott Pioli looks back at legacy of Roosevelt Brown
Throughout the franchise's storied history, the Giants have had many prominent figures enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Tim Mara and Mel Hein were the first two Giants inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 1963, while George Young (2020) and Michael Strahan (2014) are the two most recent inductees. But one of the league's toughest Hall of Famers solidified his place in Canton back in 1975 following a long and impressive career as an offensive tackle with the Giants.
Of course, I am referring to Roosevelt "Rosey" Brown.
After a collegiate career at Morgan State in which he was twice named all-conference at offensive tackle, Brown was drafted by the Giants in the 27th round (321st overall) of the 1953 NFL Draft. NFL.com's Scott Pioli, as well as many others around the league, consider the selection of Brown to be one of the biggest steals in draft history.
Brown went on to play all 13 seasons of his NFL career with the Giants. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an All-Pro nine times apiece, and was a key part to the Giants' run to a championship in 1958.
The legendary offensive tackle was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975, making him just the second player to be elected to the Hall on the performance of his offensive line play alone.
Upon the completion of his playing career, Brown stuck around with the Giants for nearly another 40 years, serving first as a coach before turning his attention towards scouting.
Between his time as a player, coach and scout, Brown's tenure with the Giants lasted more than 50 years. He was a member of the inaugural class of the New York Giants Ring of Honor, and was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Pioli took a look back at the legacy of Roosevelt Brown and his path to the NFL through an HBCU.
Here is an except from Pioli's article on NFL.com:
"As a New Yorker growing up with a father from the Bronx, I was expected to know the Giants' history as well as I knew my schoolwork, and as you might expect, my knowledge of the franchise's history was far greater than my grasp on 10th-grade geometry. Truthfully, football history has been far more useful in the my life. (I tried telling my teachers back then, but they just wouldn't listen.) My father, a blue-collar worker, loved the Giants and Rosey Brown, gravitating to linemen: "The grunts that do the dirty work," as he'd say. Thus, I knew about Brown as a kid and read about his college career at Morgan State. Though I never got to see him play, I remember studying the backs of football cards and making the Morgan State connection to some of my favorite players: Willie Lanier, Leroy Kelly, Raymond Chester and John "Frenchy" Fuqua. I took special care of their cards, because they went to the same school as Brown -- and yes, I still have those cards today."
Inside the Numbers: Giants vs. dual-threat QBs
Four quarterbacks are listed among the NFL's top 40 rushers this season. The Giants have faced two of them this month. On Sunday, they will try to restrain a third, and he happens to be the league's reigning MVP and the most productive runner at his position.
Lamar Jackson is 12th in the NFL and leads the Baltimore Ravens with 828 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. In his breakout 2019 season, he rushed for 1,206 yards and seven scores. Jackson is the first quarterback in NFL history with at least 800 rushing yards in consecutive seasons.
The Giants' defense is getting accustomed to playing against dual-threat quarterbacks. On Dec. 6, Russell Wilson ran for 45 yards on seven carries, the longest a 19-yarder, in the Giants' 17-12 victory in Seattle. Wilson is currently 40th in the league with 475 rushing yards.
One week after facing Wilson, the Giants went up against Arizona's Kyler Murray, who ran for 47 yards on 12 attempts, none longer than 12 yards. Murray averaged 3.6 yards a carry vs. the Giants, well below his season average of 6.0 yards.
Murray is tied with New England's Cam Newton for the league lead among quarterbacks with 11 rushing touchdowns, but like Wilson, did not score on the ground vs. the Giants. Murray's 741 yards place him 18th in the NFL.
Jackson has twice exceeded 100 yards in a game this year, including a season-high 124 against the Browns eight days ago. He averages 6.1 yards a carry. Jackson has rushed for four touchdowns in the last three games.
The Giants will present Jackson, as well as running backs Gus Edwards and rookie J.K. Dobbins, with one of the NFL's best run defenses. They are sixth in both yards allowed per game (101.8) and per carry (3.9), their best ranking and lowest average since 2016, when they tied for third by giving up 88.6 yards a game on the ground. That was the only season between 2011 and 2019 in which the Giants ranked higher than 14th and allowed fewer than 108.9 rushing yards a game.
Opposing teams have rushed for less than 100 yards in half of the Giants' 14 games. Only one individual runner, Pittsburgh's Benny Snell, Jr. on opening night, has exceeded the century mark. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Giants are one of 10 teams to allow one or less 100-yard rushers this season, including four with zero. Their 13 consecutive games not allowing one is the NFL's fifth-longest current streak.
The Giants will do all they can to keep Jackson in line with the other outstanding running quarterbacks they've faced this month.
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is brought down by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and \Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96) during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Members of the New York Giants offensive line, Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69) and Kevin Boss, far right, walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Lardarius Webb (21) the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) is cheered on by teammates as he runs in for a touchdown while Baltimore Ravens' Matt Stover (3) attempts to catch him during the third quarter Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants line up at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cornerback Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants returns an intercepted pass (his second of the day) for a touchdown during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell (23) returns a kick off past Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) upends Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) in Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Giants 34 - 7. January 28, 2001. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game with the New York Giants playing against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) runs with the football during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) returns an interception over Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens' Geno Stone (26) tackles New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), right, and Leonard Williams (99), top, chase a ball fumbled by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8), bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Daniel Bellinger, right, catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens' Marcus Peters (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts after missing a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball against New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Eric Weddle (32) on a game winning touchdown as Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, reacts during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 27-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman, center, is stopped by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (98) while running the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chykie Brown as he tries to make a catch during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman (18) catches a pass between New York Giants' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) and Landon Collins (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Will Davis (31) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Timmy Jernigan (99), Zach Orr (54) and Kamalei Correa (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens' Ryan Jensen (66) blocks New York Giants' Johnathan Hankins (95) as Terrance West (28) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away form Baltimore Ravens' Anthony Levine (41) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, looks for a receiver as he is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (82) celebrates after catching a pass from quarterback Eli Manning for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The catch was Lewis' first career touchdown reception and Manning's 300th career touchdown pass. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Arrington (24) near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes the snap from center Weston Richburg (70) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin looks on as his players warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning ended the drive with his 300th career touchdown on a pass to Roger Lewis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34ââ'¬â€œ7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Roman Oben (72) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) hauls in a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Linval Joseph (97) and Osi Umenyiora (72) wrap up Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) during a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates after they Giants stopped Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West on fourth down near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Dennis Pitta (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and Eli Manning (10) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson, right, scores a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2001, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) runs for a 97-yard touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXV against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa, Fla. Dixon's 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown kept the Ravens from the first shutout in a Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)
The New York Giants offense lines up against the Baltimore Ravens defense during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-10. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from a defender during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco drops back to pass against the New York Giants during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (86) is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, right, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. At left is the Giants Michael Boley. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, left, tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants lineman Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60) and Rich Seubert (69) walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) is hit by New York Giants' Jonathan Casillas (52) near the goal line on fourth down during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
David Diehl of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signals to the bench the distance for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Musa Smith picks up three yards as he is surounded by New York Giants' Nick Greisen (54), Radell Lockhart (78) and T.J. Hollowell, right, during the fourth quarter Thursday night, Sept. 2, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Ravens beat the Giants 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Antonio Pierce of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs his team from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants guard Rich Seubert (69) walks to the line of scrimmage with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
David Sills V (13), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Leonard Williams (99)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dexter Lawrence (97), David Mayo (55)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Daniel Bellinger David Sills V
Sterling Shepard (87)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Leonard Williams (99), Xavier McKinney (29), Jaylon Smith (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Julian Love (20)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) following a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
Joe Judge Report: Importance of field position
In the latest episode of the Joe Judge Report, the head coach uses the telestrator to break down film from the Week 15 loss against the Cleveland Browns.
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