When you see a blue jersey with the number 87 on the back at MetLife Stadium, your mind probably jumps to two very different eras. You might think of the gritty, lunch-pail blocking of the early 90s or the flashy, high-pointing catches of the late 2010s. It’s a number that carries a weirdly heavy legacy for the G-Men.
Honestly, it’s a digit that has defined some of the most consistent—and occasionally frustrating—stretches of Big Blue football.
The Evolution of the New York Giants 87
Usually, when we talk about iconic numbers, we're looking at retired jerseys or Hall of Famers. That's not exactly the case here. The New York Giants 87 isn't hanging in the rafters, but it has been worn by the kind of players who become the "glue" of a championship roster.
Most modern fans immediately associate the number with Sterling Shepard. He wore it from his rookie year in 2016 all the way through 2020. Shep was the heart and soul of that locker room, a guy who would put his body on the line for a third-down conversion even when the season was long lost. But then, things shifted. In 2021, the NFL loosened up its jersey rules, allowing wide receivers to wear single digits. Shepard jumped at the chance to switch to No. 3, a tribute to his late father, Derrick Shepard.
That switch left a bit of a void for the traditionalists. For many, seeing a receiver in the 80s just feels right.
The Iron Man: Howard Cross
If you ask a fan who grew up in the Bill Parcells or Dan Reeves era, they won't say Shepard. They’ll tell you about Howard Cross. Cross is basically the gold standard for the New York Giants 87.
He wasn't a "stat sheet stuffer."
He was a wall.
👉 See also: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class is a Total Headache for Scouts
Cross played an incredible 13 seasons for the Giants, spanning from 1989 to 2001. Think about that for a second. In an era where the average NFL career is about three years, this guy suited up for 207 games in a Giants uniform. Only legends like Michael Strahan and Eli Manning have played more games for the franchise.
He was a member of the Super Bowl XXV championship team and was still there when they made the run to Super Bowl XXXV a decade later. While his 201 career receptions and 17 touchdowns might seem modest by today’s pass-heavy standards, his impact on the run game was immeasurable. He was the guy clearing the path for Rodney Hampton and Tiki Barber.
That Strange 1987 Season
You can't talk about the number 87 without mentioning the actual year 1987. It was a bizarre, messy, and ultimately disappointing chapter for the franchise. The Giants were coming off a dominant 14-2 season and a blowout victory in Super Bowl XXI. They were the kings of the world.
Then the strike happened.
The 1987 season was marred by a 24-day players' strike that forced teams to use "replacement players" (often mockingly called "Scab Giants"). The regulars lost their first two games, and then the replacements went 0-3. By the time Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms returned, the hole was too deep. The defending champs finished 6-9 and missed the playoffs entirely.
It remains one of the greatest "Super Bowl hangovers" in NFL history.
✨ Don't miss: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
Interestingly, a wide receiver named Lewis Bennett wore the jersey during that strike-shortened year. He’s a footnote in the history books now, but his presence is a reminder of a season that most Giants fans would rather forget.
Beyond the Big Names
Before Cross and Shepard, there was Gary Shirk.
He was the original steady hand at tight end, wearing 87 from 1976 to 1982.
Shirk was an undrafted guy out of Morehead State who played in the World Football League before landing in New York. He wasn't supposed to be a star, yet he ended up playing 101 games and hauling in 130 catches. In the late 70s, those were solid numbers for a tight end. He was the bridge between the old-school Giants of the Yankee Stadium days and the new-look Meadowlands era.
Then you have the specialists.
Domenik Hixon wore 87 from 2007 to 2012.
Hixon is a guy who doesn't get enough credit for the 2007 and 2011 championship runs. He was a dynamic returner and a savvy situational receiver. His 15.1 yards per punt return in 2009 was second in the league. When Hixon was on the field, you felt like a big play was actually possible—which was a rarity for the Giants' special teams units for a long time.
Why 87 Still Matters in New York
So, what’s the common thread here?
Whether it's Howard Cross's longevity, Hixon's spark, or Shepard's leadership, the New York Giants 87 has historically belonged to the "workers."
🔗 Read more: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
It’s not a jersey for the divas. It’s for the guys who block on a sweep in the freezing rain in December. It's for the receivers who know they aren't the first option but run their route at 100% speed anyway.
A Quick Look at the 87 Leaders:
- Games Played: Howard Cross (207)
- Receptions: Sterling Shepard (mostly as 87) / Gary Shirk (130)
- Longevity: Howard Cross (13 seasons)
- Touchdowns: Howard Cross (17)
What to Look for Next
If you’re a jersey collector or a die-hard fan looking to honor the history of the New York Giants 87, don’t just look at the current roster. Look at the tape of Howard Cross during the 1990 playoffs. Watch how a tight end used to dominate a game without ever having a ball thrown his way.
As of the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the number has seen various training camp occupants, but it’s waiting for the next long-term owner to make it their own.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Vintage Hunting: If you find a 1990s Champion brand 87 jersey, grab it. It’s a Howard Cross classic and carries way more "real fan" street cred than a generic modern jersey.
- Stat Verification: When debating the "best 87," remember to weigh Cross's 207 games against Shepard's peak production. Longevity usually wins the argument in New York.
- Roster Monitoring: Keep an eye on the undrafted free agents during the next preseason. The Giants often give 87 to developmental tight ends or big-bodied receivers.
The story of 87 isn't finished. It's just waiting for the next blue-collar player to put it on and get to work.