Charley Conerly

The Giants’ Unsung Quarterback Legend

Few quarterbacks in NFL history have meant more to their franchise than Charley Conerly meant to the New York Giants. A true field general, Conerly led the Giants from 1948 to 1961, guiding them to five NFL Championship appearances and a title victory in 1956. Known for his clutch performances, toughness, and leadership, Conerly was the backbone of the Giants' offense during one of the most important transitional periods in NFL history.

Despite his Hall of Fame-caliber career, Conerly has often been overshadowed by flashier quarterbacks of his time. But make no mistake—he was one of the most efficient and reliable passers of his generation, paving the way for future greats like Y.A. Tittle and Phil Simms. His ability to perform under pressure, lead game-winning drives, and elevate his team in the biggest moments earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

Even beyond the gridiron, Conerly was a legend—a decorated World War II Marine veteran, a successful businessman, and the original "Marlboro Man" in one of the most famous advertising campaigns of all time.

The Numbers That Built a Giants Icon

Charley Conerly’s career statistics and accolades reflect his consistent excellence as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks:

• 14 NFL seasons (1948-1961), all with the New York Giants
• 5× NFL Championship Game appearances (1950, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1961)
• 1956 NFL Champion
• 1959 NFL MVP (by the Maxwell Club)
• 2× Pro Bowler (1950, 1956)
• New York Giants Ring of Honor inductee
• Career: 19,488 passing yards, 173 touchdown passes, 55.2% completion rate
• No. 42 jersey retired by the New York Giants

While Conerly's stats might not seem as gaudy by today’s standards, he played in an era when passing was far more difficult, and his numbers were among the best of his generation. His ability to lead game-winning drives and play his best football in clutch moments made him invaluable to the Giants.

From War Hero to Football Star

Before making his mark on the NFL, Charley Conerly’s journey was anything but ordinary.

• He served in World War II as a Marine, seeing combat in the Pacific before returning home to resume his football career.
• At Ole Miss, he rewrote the record books, setting numerous passing records and leading the team to national recognition.
• Despite his college success, he fell to the 13th round of the 1945 NFL Draft, largely due to his military service delaying his professional debut.

When Conerly finally took the field for the Giants in 1948, he wasted no time making an impact, throwing 22 touchdown passes in his rookie season—a record for first-year quarterbacks at the time.

The Leader of the Giants' First Great Era

Before the New York Giants became one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, Charley Conerly was the man who led them to glory.

Throughout the 1950s, Conerly was the steady hand guiding the Giants to multiple NFL Championship appearances. In an era when quarterbacks were asked to be tough, durable, and versatile, Conerly thrived. His ability to manage the game, make key throws, and lead his team to victory cemented his place as one of the top quarterbacks of his time.

But his defining moment came in 1956.

1956 – The Giants’ Championship Season

By the mid-1950s, the New York Giants had built an elite roster, featuring legendary names like Frank Gifford, Sam Huff, and Roosevelt Brown. But at the helm was Charley Conerly, the quarterback who orchestrated the offense with precision.

The 1956 NFL Championship Game saw the Giants dominate the Chicago Bears 47-7, capturing their first championship in 18 years. Conerly’s poise, accuracy, and leadership were on full display as he outdueled the Bears’ defense to secure the title.

While he never received the recognition he deserved, many believe Conerly should have been named league MVP that year, especially after leading the Giants to such a decisive championship victory.

The 1958 "Greatest Game Ever Played" and Conerly's Final Years

In 1958, Conerly and the Giants found themselves in another NFL Championship Game, this time against Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. What followed was "The Greatest Game Ever Played," an overtime thriller that changed the landscape of professional football forever.

Though the Giants lost 23-17, Conerly played a key role in keeping New York competitive against the Colts' high-powered offense. That game was instrumental in boosting football’s popularity nationwide, eventually leading to the creation of the Super Bowl era.

Conerly played three more seasons, eventually retiring in 1961 as one of the most respected quarterbacks in the game.

The Most Iconic Charlry Conerly Football Cards

For collectors, Conerly's cards represent a crucial piece of Giants and NFL history:

• 1948 Leaf #36 Charlry Conerly Rookie Card – One of the most coveted football cards from the post-war era.
• 1955 Bowman #24 Charlry Conerly – A beautiful mid-career issue featuring the classic Bowman TV design.
• 1959 Topps #2 Charley Conerly – Issued the year he won the Maxwell Club’s MVP award, making it a key collector’s item.

The Post-Football Life of a True Legend

After retiring, Charley Conerly remained a respected figure in the football world. But he also became known for something completely different—becoming the original "Marlboro Man."

• Conerly was featured in advertisements for Marlboro cigarettes, giving him a second wave of fame outside of football.
• He became a successful businessman, always maintaining ties to the Giants organization.
• In 2006, he was posthumously inducted into the Giants' Ring of Honor, ensuring his place among franchise legends.

Despite being overlooked for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, many football historians believe he deserves enshrinement, given his contributions to the game and his role in shaping the Giants' success.

Charley Conerly – The Giants’ First Great Quarterback

While New York Giants fans celebrate legends like Phil Simms and Eli Manning, it's Charley Conerly who paved the way for them.

He was more than just a quarterback—he was a war hero, a leader, a champion, and a Giant in every sense of the word. His impact on the game, the franchise, and the evolution of quarterback play is undeniable, even if his name isn’t always mentioned in the same breath as other Hall of Fame QBs.

Tough. Underrated. A True New York Giants Icon.

Charley Conerly’s name will forever be spoken with respect in the history of the NFL.