*The Giants' Color Rush uniforms honor classic white uniforms from the 1980's and 90's: *
Old school meets new school when @oliviervernon54 and the #Giants #ColorRush comes to #TNF @Nike @JosephSkiba pic.twitter.com/lgYeAiWVkB
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 22, 2016
On Thursday night in Philadelphia, the Giants take on the Eagles sporting a look that will be very familiar for Giants fans in the '80s and '90s. That's because it's their turn in the 2016 Color Rush.
The Color Rush is an alternate jersey concept that debuted last season around the NFL to commemorate 50 years of games being broadcast in color. In 2015, the new jersey style appeared in just four "Thursday Night Football" games but made a lasting impact. This year, every team is taking part in the promotion with their own unique jersey.
For the Giants, they will pay homage to their championship teams of the '80's and '90s, wearing an all white jersey with blue numbers that have a red outline, just like they did on the road for two decades.
"This is something that the Giants fans have been waiting for," equipment director Joe Skiba said. "A modern update of a timeless '80s era."
The memories stemming from the look of the jersey are endless considering the Giants have played in some critical games wearing this style.
"Classics never get old," Giants Ring of Honor linebacker Carl Banks said. "It may be updated but there is something special about these jerseys. An emotional connection. This uniform restored the pride of Giant winning football. I'm getting chills because of the emotional connection of the heritage of our organization. This jersey is pride, it's performance, it's toughness, it's Big Blue."
To refresh your memory, we take a look back at some huge Giants victories with the team donning such a style.
Giants 22, Vikings 20 (November 16, 1986)
Trailing the Vikings 20-19 with 1:12 left in the game, quarterback Phil Simms took a sack on a third-and-8 to set up an impossible fourth-and-17. As Simms went to the huddle, he told wide receiver Bobby Johnson to be ready.
"He told me to be alert," Johnson said. "He said he might come to me. If I have to I might come to you he said."
Well, the rest of the story is history. Simms, while being hit by Vikings defensive tackle Mike Stensrud, found Johnson for a 22-yard completion and a first down. The drive concluded with a Raul Allegre field goal and sparked the Giants run to the Super Bowl.
"That certainly was a very catalytic play for that team," head coach Bill Parcells said. "I think it's one of the more famous plays now in Giants history. It certainly is. Bobby was a key guy in there filling in. That was it."
Simms, who finished 25 of 38 for 310 yards and a touchdown, called the game his favorite.
"It was my favorite game of my career," Simms said. "To throw the football when it leaves your hand, I knew it was perfect."
Giants 24, Cardinals 21 (December 23, 1990)
Playing with a backup quarterback in Jeff Hostetler, the NFC East champion Giants defeated the Cardinals, 24-21, to clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Hostetler threw for one touchdown and rushed for another as the Giants intercepted two Timm Rosenbach passes in the fourth quarter to maintain the lead. In the final possession for the Cardinals, Lawrence Taylor sacked Rosenbach to seal the deal.
NFC Championship Game: Giants 15, 49ers 13 (January 20, 1991)
Following a victory against the Bears, the Giants traveled to San Francisco to take on the top-seeded 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
Tied 6-6 heading into the third quarter, Joe Montana found John Taylor for a 61-yard touchdown, giving the 49ers a 13-6 lead. Following a Giants field goal, defensive end Leonard Marshall sacked Montana and knocked him out of the game. The Giants took over but were stopped on a key third down. On the ensuing play, the Giants ran a fake punt and gained a first down to set up a field goal to make the score 13-12. The 49ers attempted to run the clock out, but defensive tackle Erik Howard forced a fumble by running back Roger Craig. Linebacker Lawrence Taylor caught the fumble out of the air and brought it to the Giants 43. Two passes and a field goal later, the Giants were headed to the Super Bowl where they would eventually beat the Bills for their second title.
NFC Wild Card: Giants 27, Eagles 21 (December 27, 1981)
On a wet and foggy day in Philadelphia, the Giants, who finished third in the NFC East behind Dallas and Philadelphia, defeated the Eagles, 27-21, to move on to the NFC Divisional Round. In the win, quarterback Scott Brunner completed 9 of 14 passes for 96 yards, three touchdowns and an interception sending the highly favored Philly, home early.
Thursday night calls for another chance at a memorable moment in such a classic jersey. With a win, the Giants will clinch a playoff birth for the first time since 2011.
"The fans are going to love you after this one," Banks said of Skiba.
They certainly will.
