If anyone brings up the New York football Giants, one of the first things that comes to mind is defense. The G-men have built their franchise around stellar defensive play since the very beginning, and they have fielded some of the all-time greats like Lawrence Taylor and Michael Strahan. Here is a list of the Giants’ Top 5 in sacks to date, keeping in mind the sack did not become an official statistic until 1982.

Michael Strahan (141.5)—Strahan is a lock for the Hall of Fame, especially since he holds the single season sack record of 22.5, set in 2001. Strahan played his entire career with the Giants, from 1993 to 2007, capping off his brilliant career with a Super Bowl ring. Strahan had 141.5 total sacks, ranking him first in team history and fifth in NFL history, and he posted double digits in sacks six times. Strahan was a seven-time Pro Bowler, including four times as a first team All Pro.

Lawrence Taylor (132.5)—Lawrence Taylor, better known as LT, revolutionized defensive play in the NFL, as he was a blitzing linebacker who had a sick nose for the quarterback. Not only did he have the instinct to find the QB, he had the speed and agility to chase him down, as well as chase down other ball carriers. LT played for the G-men his entire career, from 1981 to 1993, helping them win two Super Bowls. He ranks second in Giants’ history with 132.5 sacks, which puts him tied for eighth in NFL history. Taylor’s best season was 1986, when he posted a career high 20.5 sacks and helped the Giants win a championship. Taylor went to the Pro Bowl an astounding ten times, eight of those as a first team All Pro. Some argue that if sacks were a statistic in 1981, Taylor may top this list ahead of Strahan.

Leonard Marshall (79.5)—Leonard Marshall was one of the cornerstones of the Giants’ defensive line from 1983 to 1992, playing for them most of his career. Marshall ranks third in franchise history with 79.5 sacks, and he had a career high 15.5 of them in 1985, one of two times he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

Keith Hamilton (63.0)—Defensive lineman Keith Hamilton played for the Giants his entire career, from 1992 to 2003, and he ranks fourth in the team’s history with 63 sacks. Hamilton had a career best 11.5 sacks in 1993 and posted double digits twice.

George Martin (46.0)—George Martin played for the Giants his entire career, from 1976 to 1988, and he ranks fifth in franchise history with 46 sacks, keeping in mind the statistic did not count for his first six seasons. Martin had a career high 10 sacks in 1985, but his most memorable play came when he intercepted Broncos QB John Elway and ran in for a touchdown.