Former Giants defensive tackle John Mendenhall passed late last week at the age of 72, according to his family. Mendenhall played eight seasons for the team from 1972-79. Link - ( New Window )
Amazingly, I inquired with the Giants team offices if they had extra game tickets for the Bears-Giants game in Chicago, and I got two tickets. It was cold rainy day in December and I took my brother-in-law to the game. We drove down from Wisconsin.
The seats were folding chairs on the 20 yard line behind the Giants bench area in front of the stadium seats. I saw John Mendenhall as he walked by us at half time to the locker room. What a treat.
of all time. When the Giant teams of the 70's were absolutely horrible he was a beacon of light. A 250lb DT, quick as a mouse. Not only a great football player but an even better person. RIP.
was an excellent player and tremendously underrated, undoubtedly because as others have said, he played on some very bad teams. RIP. God bless. Prayers to his family and friends.
of all time. When the Giant teams of the 70's were absolutely horrible he was a beacon of light. A 250lb DT, quick as a mouse. Not only a great football player but an even better person. RIP.
Agree. He is one of the most underrated Giants of all time. John Mendenhall. 'Nuff said!
In his rookie season, I saw Mendenhall play a preseason game
in late August against the Eagles. The Grambling rookie was easily the best player on the field on that hot August day, and when I say best player I mean, best player, not just best Giant. The Giants finding Mendenhall in round 3 in '72 seems in retrospect like pure luck. In round 1, the Giants drafted DE Larry Jacobson and CB Eldridge Small. In round 4, they drafted Tom Gatewood, TE from ND. The players they passed up in that year's draft would break your heart.
John Mendenhall - ( New Window )
The seats were folding chairs on the 20 yard line behind the Giants bench area in front of the stadium seats. I saw John Mendenhall as he walked by us at half time to the locker room. What a treat.
https://i.imgur.com/BkoJ063.jpg
1976 Yearbook bio
https://i.imgur.com/NWDERyS.jpg
1975 Media Guide photo w/Jack Gregory
https://i.imgur.com/JVKSqoQ.jpg
1975 Media Guide action photo
https://i.imgur.com/mWCTu3l.jpg
1978 Media Guide action photo sequence w/Harry Carson
https://i.imgur.com/PVJDYBj.jpg
1979 Media Guide bio (scan came out a little crooked, apologies)
https://i.imgur.com/TPXVHbo.jpg
RIP
Absolutely. There were times when all you heard on a play was "Mendenhall!" Will never forget that.
Agree. He is one of the most underrated Giants of all time. John Mendenhall. 'Nuff said!