What Is 1928 New York Giants football team

Overview

The 1928 New York Giants season marked the franchise's fourth year in the National Football League. Competing in the NFL's Eastern Division, the team struggled to maintain consistency, finishing with a losing record and missing the postseason.

Under head coach LeRoy Andrews, the Giants played their home games at the Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan. Despite flashes of offensive potential, the team's defense and overall record kept them out of championship contention.

• Season record: The 1928 New York Giants posted a 4–7–1 win-loss-tie record, reflecting inconsistent performance across 12 games.
• Head coach: LeRoy Andrews served as head coach for the second consecutive season, leading the team through a transitional phase.
• Home stadium: The Giants played all home games at the Polo Grounds, a multi-purpose venue shared with the New York Giants baseball team.
• Scoring: The team scored 79 total points during the season, averaging 6.6 points per game, one of the lowest in the league.
• Defensive performance: New York allowed 105 points, indicating a defense that struggled to contain high-powered opponents.

How It Works

The 1928 season operated under early NFL rules and structures, with teams playing a limited schedule and no formal playoff system in place. The league was still evolving, and standings were determined solely by win percentage.

• Season length: The 1928 NFL season consisted of 12 games per team, a standard that varied slightly from year to year in the 1920s.
• Scoring system: Touchdowns were worth 6 points, field goals 3, and safeties 2, consistent with modern rules established in the 1910s.
• Player roles: Most players played both offense and defense, with minimal substitutions due to strict substitution rules.
• League structure: The NFL had no divisions in 1928; the Giants were informally grouped with Eastern teams for scheduling convenience.
• Championship determination: The league champion was awarded to the team with the best win percentage at season’s end, not through a playoff.
• Player compensation: Salaries were modest, with most players earning under $100 per game and many holding off-season jobs.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1928 Giants compared to key NFL teams of the era:

The table highlights that while the Giants were competitive with some teams, their 10th-place finish among 15 teams reflected an underperforming season. Their point differential of –26 underscored defensive struggles, and they finished well behind champions Providence Steam Roller.

Why It Matters

The 1928 season is a snapshot of the NFL’s formative years, showing how franchises like the Giants contributed to the league’s growth despite inconsistent results. These early seasons laid the foundation for future success and professional legitimacy.

• Historical continuity: The 1928 season is part of the Giants’ unbroken NFL history since 1925, one of the longest in professional football.
• Development of fanbase: Playing in New York helped establish a loyal fan following despite losing records in the late 1920s.
• Coaching evolution: LeRoy Andrews’ tenure reflected early NFL coaching norms, with limited staff and hands-on leadership.
• League expansion: The season occurred as the NFL expanded and stabilized, adding credibility to professional football.
• Media coverage: Games received growing newspaper coverage, increasing public awareness of the sport.
• Legacy building: Even losing seasons like 1928 contributed to the Giants’ long-term identity and eventual championships.

The 1928 New York Giants may not have achieved on-field success, but their season remains a vital chapter in the franchise’s journey and the NFL’s early development.