Ian O’Connor, known for his bestselling biographies on notable sports figures such as Bill Belichick and Aaron Rodgers, is preparing a new book focused on the New York Giants‘ memorable Super Bowl run from 2007 to 2011. This period marked the Giants’ stunning victories over the New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, defying expectations and altering NFL history.
Highlighting the Giants’ Most Successful Years: Two Championship Triumphs
The upcoming book will chronicle the Giants’ most successful five-year period, one that culminated in two Super Bowl championships. The Giants defeated the Patriots 18-1 in Super Bowl XLII, ending New England’s perfect season, and triumphed again four years later in Super Bowl XLVI. During this era, the team came within reach of securing a third title, derailed only by an unfortunate injury to star receiver Plaxico Burress in late 2008, when he accidentally shot himself at a Manhattan nightclub. Head coach Tom Coughlin has remarked that the 2008 roster was likely the best he had ever led.
Author’s Announcement and Upcoming Release Details
O’Connor confirmed his new project via social media, expressing excitement about the book’s official status with HarperCollins. He revealed the tentative title to be When We Were Giants, focusing on how the team overcame steep Super Bowl odds by twice defeating historically great quarterback-coach duos of Brady and Belichick.
“Thrilled my next HarperCollins book is official,”
Ian O’Connor posted on X.
“The 2007-2011 Giants, the franchise’s most fascinating 5-year period, how history was made vs the Super Bowl odds by twice beating the QB/coach GOATs, Brady & Belichick. Likely title: ‘When We Were Giants.’”
?Ian O’Connor, Author
O’Connor’s Return to Journalism and Background in Sports Biography
Alongside announcing his new book, O’Connor has recently joined The Athletic as a columnist after two years focused on writing books. He hopes to blend his deep knowledge of sports biographies with daily journalism once again. His past works include highly acclaimed biographies of Belichick, Derek Jeter, Mike Krzyzewski, and Aaron Rodgers, showing his strength in unveiling untold stories through extensive interviews and careful research.
In-Depth Research and New Insights on Iconic Sports Figures
O’Connor’s biography of Belichick, published in 2017, garnered bestseller status despite the coach’s refusal to contribute directly. The work illuminated Belichick’s complex relationships within football. Similarly, O’Connor’s 2024 book on Aaron Rodgers, Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, involved over 250 interviews before Rodgers agreed to a personal interview at his Malibu home. This biography explored Rodgers’ family estrangement, his relationship with Olivia Munn, and his reflections on past controversial remarks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Not based on a lot of fact,”
Rodgers said about some parts of the book,
though he acknowledged learning new information about his grandfather from O’Connor’s research.
?Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
HarperCollins’ Commitment and Ongoing Development of Giants Project
HarperCollins, publisher of many of O’Connor’s titles, is supporting his work on the Giants, tentatively titled When We Were Giants. The project has been in development for several weeks, and O’Connor previewed it during a January interview on the Baltimore Positive radio show, explaining his focus on the historic five-year Giants stretch and their remarkable success against the Patriots’ dominant teams.
“I’m about to start a book, I believe, on the five-year period of the New York Giants, 2007 to 11, when they have the two Super Bowl victories over Belichick and Brady,”
“Their best team in 2008 would have, Coughlin believes would have won it. Plaxico Burress shot himself at a nightclub by accident, and that blew up the season. So I may do a book on those five years, probably the best five years in Giants history.”
?Ian O’Connor, Author
The Significance of Revisiting the Giants’ Championship Years
O’Connor’s new book promises to offer an in-depth look at the New York Giants’ remarkable run during a period when they defied the odds and toppled an NFL dynasty. By focusing on this iconic era, the book will add valuable perspective to the understanding of how the Giants managed to achieve greatness despite formidable opponents and unforeseen setbacks. With no official publication date yet, fans and followers eagerly await a detailed narrative that captures the tension, triumphs, and challenges of those unforgettable seasons.
Thrilled my next @HarperCollins book is official-the 2007-2011 Giants, the franchise's most fascinating 5-year period, how history was made vs the Super Bowl odds by twice beating the QB/coach GOATs, Brady & Belichick. Likely title: "When We Were Giants" More soon. Can't wait. pic.twitter.com/y2gpFdNZDb
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) February 6, 2026
