The Rise and Fall of Jerry Reese: A Closer Look at the Former Giants General Manager

Introduction

Every NFL team needs a solid general manager to make informed decisions and manage their organization. One such GM was Jerry Reese, who worked for the New York Giants from 1994 to 2017. Reese had both successes and failures during his tenure, and it’s important to take a closer look at his rise and fall.

Rise to Power

Reese began his career with the Giants as a college scout. He was then promoted to become the Director of Player Personnel, responsible for overseeing the team’s player development programs. In 2007, Reese was named the team’s fifth general manager, succeeding Ernie Accorsi.

As general manager, Reese made some impressive moves. In 2007, he drafted safety Aaron Ross and wide receiver Steve Smith in the second round. These two players played major roles in the Giants’ Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in the same year. Reese also drafted quarterback Eli Manning, who led the team to two Super Bowl victories.

Successful Seasons

The highlights of Reese’s tenure was the two Super Bowl titles in 2007 and 2011. The Giants had a respectable record during this time and were known for their strong defense and clutch performances in important games.

In addition to football prowess, Reese was also known for his recruitment skills. In 2008, he acquired defensive end Justin Tuck and running back Brandon Jacobs from the Oakland Raiders. These two players became central to the team’s success.

Decline in Performance

Unfortunately, the team’s performance started to decline in later years. Reese’s drafts didn’t pan out as well, and there were some notable misses. In 2009, he drafted receiver Hakeem Nicks in the first round, but Nicks failed to live up to his potential. In 2012, he drafted running back David Wilson in the first round but injuries eventually forced him to retire.

Reese also failed to address some critical areas of concern, such as the offensive line and running back. These shortcomings ultimately led to the team’s decline.

Unpopular Decisions

Reese’s decisions in the latter years of his tenure contributed to his downfall. Many criticized his handling of star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s contract situation. He also signed cornerback Janoris Jenkins to a large contract in 2016, but Jenkins failed to meet expectations.

Reese’s decision to draft quarterback Davis Webb in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft was also unpopular. The team ultimately released Webb during the preseason, causing many to question Reese’s judgement.

Termination

Reese’s final season as general manager was 2017. The team started with a dismal 2-10 record, which was the final straw for Giants ownership. Reese was fired from his position on December 4, 2017, along with head coach Ben McAdoo.

FAQs

Q1. How many Super Bowls did the Giants win under Jerry Reese?

A1. The Giants won two Super Bowls under Jerry Reese, in the 2007 and 2011 seasons.

Q2. Who did Jerry Reese draft in the second round in 2007?

A2. Jerry Reese drafted safety Aaron Ross and wide receiver Steve Smith in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Q3. Did Jerry Reese draft Eli Manning?

A3. Yes, Jerry Reese drafted Eli Manning with the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Q4. Why was Jerry Reese fired?

A4. Jerry Reese was fired after a dismal 2-10 start to the 2017 season, which was seen as the culmination of years of poor performances and unpopular decisions.

Q5. Did Jerry Reese have any notable draft busts?

A5. Yes, Jerry Reese had some notable draft misses, particularly with his first-round picks. Hakeem Nicks and David Wilson failed to live up to their potential.

Q6. Did Jerry Reese have success with free agent signings?

A6. Jerry Reese had some success with free agent signings, particularly with defensive end Justin Tuck and running back Brandon Jacobs.

Q7. Why was Janoris Jenkins’ signing considered a failure?

A7. Janoris Jenkins was signed to a large contract in 2016 but failed to live up to expectations, leading to criticism of Jerry Reese’s decision-making.

In Conclusion

Jerry Reese’s rise and fall with the New York Giants provides valuable insight into the life of an NFL general manager. While Reese had some success early on, his tenure was marred by poor drafts and unpopular decisions in later years. Despite his accomplishments, the Giants organization decided to part ways with him in favor of new leadership. It’s up to future GMs to learn from his mistakes and build upon his successes to lead their teams to victory.