David Diehl
A fifth-round draft pick who anchored the New York Giants' offensive line for a decade, protecting Eli Manning's blind side through two unforgettable Super Bowl victories.
Born 1980 (age 46)·American football player·Birthday: September 15·Generation X
Biography
David Diehl's story is one of exceeding expectations. A fifth-round selection out of Illinois, he arrived in New York with little fanfare but quickly carved out a vital role. Diehl's versatility was his superpower; he started games at every position on the offensive line except center during his career, providing invaluable stability. He eventually locked down the crucial left tackle spot, becoming Eli Manning's primary protector during the Giants' thrilling playoff runs in the 2007 and 2011 seasons. His toughness was legendary—he famously played through a broken hand in the 2012 playoffs. Diehl's intelligence and work ethic made him a coach on the field, a bridge between the playbook and the physical execution required in the NFL's trenches. After retirement, he seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting and coaching, passing on the gritty wisdom of his playing days.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
David was born in 1980, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1980
#1 Movie
The Empire Strikes Back
Best Picture
Ordinary People
#1 TV Show
Dallas
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1980Born
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1985Started school
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1993Became a teenager
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1996Could drive
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1998Could vote
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Turned 21
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2010Turned 30
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2020Turned 40
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 46 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Started at left tackle for the New York Giants in their Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI championship victories.
- Played in and started 160 regular season games over his 11-year NFL career, all with the Giants.
- Earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2009 for his standout play at left tackle.
- Was named a second-team All-Pro in the same 2009 season.
Did You Know?
He is of Croatian descent and was awarded the Order of the Croatian Star for promoting Croatian heritage.
Diehl started games at four different offensive line positions (guard, both tackle spots) in his rookie season alone.
He worked as a football analyst for Fox Sports after his playing career ended.
“I took pride in being the guy they could plug in anywhere.”
