What Is 1955 New York Giants football team

Overview

The 1955 New York Giants season marked the franchise's 31st year in the National Football League (NFL). Competing in the Eastern Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Jim Lee Howell, who took over after the retirement of Steve Owen. Despite high expectations, the Giants struggled with consistency, finishing the 12-game regular season with a 6-6 record.

Playing their home games at the historic Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan, the Giants showcased a mix of veteran leadership and young talent. One of the most notable additions was rookie Frank Gifford, who would later become one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. Though they missed the playoffs, the 1955 season laid the foundation for future success in the late 1950s.

• Record: The team finished with a 6-6 win-loss record, their first non-losing season since 1950, showing signs of improvement under new leadership.
• Home Field: All home games were played at the Polo Grounds, a multi-purpose stadium located in Upper Manhattan with a football capacity of around 55,000.
• Head Coach:Jim Lee Howell began his tenure in 1955, eventually leading the Giants to multiple championship appearances in the late 1950s.
• Rookie Star:Frank Gifford debuted in 1955, playing halfback and quickly becoming a fan favorite; he would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• Quarterback:Charlie Conerly started most games, throwing for 1,694 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading the team in passing efficiency.

Key Players and Roles

The 1955 roster featured a blend of experienced players and emerging stars, with leadership distributed across the offense and defense. The team relied heavily on Conerly’s arm and Gifford’s versatility, while the defensive unit worked to contain high-powered opponents like the Cleveland Browns.

• Frank Gifford: Played halfback and caught 20 passes for 254 yards as a rookie, showcasing the all-around skills that would define his career.
• Charlie Conerly: At age 34, he remained the offensive anchor, completing 56.4% of his passes despite limited receiving options.
• Ken MacAfee: Starting fullback who rushed for 317 yards on 107 carries, providing a steady ground game.
• Roosevelt Brown: Offensive tackle in his second season; later became a cornerstone of the Giants' line and a Hall of Famer.
• Sam Huff: Though not yet a starter, the rookie linebacker began developing into a defensive leader under Howell’s system.
• Defensive Strategy: The Giants allowed 231 total points (19.3 per game), ranking mid-tier defensively in the 12-team NFL.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1955 Giants compared to other top teams in the NFL Eastern Conference:

The Giants ranked third in their conference, outperforming the Eagles and Steelers but falling short of the Browns and Rams. Their point differential of -9 reflected their close games and lack of dominance, with five losses decided by a touchdown or less.

Why It Matters

The 1955 season was a transitional year that signaled a turning point for the Giants franchise. While not a championship contender, the team’s .500 record and development of young talent set the stage for future success, including a title win in 1956.

• Foundation for 1956: The experience gained in 1955 helped the Giants improve to 8-4 in 1956 and win the NFL Championship.
• Coaching Impact: Jim Lee Howell’s leadership emphasized discipline and preparation, shaping the team’s culture for the next decade.
• Rookie Development: Frank Gifford’s debut marked the beginning of a legendary career that would elevate the Giants’ national profile.
• Media Growth: The 1955 season coincided with rising NFL television exposure, helping grow the Giants’ fan base.
• Historical Context: This season occurred during the early years of the NFL’s rise in popularity before the AFL merger and Super Bowl era.
• Legacy: Players like Gifford and Brown became icons, and their 1955 contributions are remembered in Giants’ franchise history.

Though not a standout season statistically, 1955 was pivotal in rebuilding the Giants into a competitive force. It demonstrated the value of long-term team development and marked the dawn of a new era in New York football.