New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese, like his predecessors Ernie Accorsi and George Young, is loved by fans. His track record is impeccable, as the 49-year-old Big Blue executive's ability to assess NFL talent seems unmatched.
Fans appreciate Reese so much that they have adopted the motto "In Reese we trust," a spinoff of the United States of America's official motto "In God we trust," which has graced U.S. currency since the mid-1800s. The motto is usually uttered among Giants fans as justification for a peculiar release or unusual signing.
Reese's forte may be his nose for incoming talent. His first draft class as GM, in 2007, was a stroke of genius. Seven of his eight draft selections that year became consistent contributors as rookies.
Specific selections such as second-rounder Steve Smith (pick No. 51), a wide receiver from USC, and fifth-rounder Kevin Boss (pick No. 153), a tight end from Western Oregon, played crucial roles in the Giants' 2007 Super Bowl run. Selections like fourth-rounder Zak DeOssie (pick No. 116), a long snapper from Brown, and seventh-rounder Ahmad Bradshaw (pick No. 250), a running back from Marshall, eventually became staple Giants, leading the franchise in its quest for another Lombardi Trophy four years later.
For the most part, Reese's personnel moves have paid off big time, even when they seem to be disastrous. His decision to cut longtime Giants offensive linemen Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara before the 2011 season angered and confused many fans. Reese quelled his supporters' doubts by delivering another Super Bowl victory.
The GM's credibility was further boosted when Jason Pierre-Paul, his project of a first-round selection the year before, became the league's prototypical 4-3 defensive end in only his second season.
