A Legendary Moment in NFL History

In the annals of NFL history, few moments embody the grit and intensity of old-school football like New York Giants linebacker Gary Reasons’ thunderous hit on Denver Broncos running back Bobby Humphrey. On a snowy December day in 1989, at the goal line in Denver’s Mile High Stadium, Reasons delivered a bone-rattling tackle that stopped Humphrey inches short of scoring, securing a pivotal 14–7 victory for the Giants. This defining play from the 1989 season, a testament to Reasons’ tenacity and the Giants’ defensive prowess, has been immortalized in a stunning original painting by world-renowned sports artist Edgar J. Brown.

Edgar J. Brown’s Artistic Triumph

Titled simply The Hit, Brown’s 4’x6’ original artwork, painted in 1991 on museum-quality canvas, captures the raw energy of that frigid day. With his signature fast brush strokes and impressionistic style, Brown recreates the swirling snow, the tension of the moment, and the explosive collision between Reasons (#55) and Humphrey. The painting, based on a photograph by Jerry Pinkus (used with permission), showcases Brown’s ability to blend dynamic backgrounds with meticulous attention to detail. Every element—the players’ strained muscles, the churned snow, the intensity of the goal-line stand—comes alive, freezing this iconic Big Blue moment in time.

Gary Reasons’ Storied Football Career

Gary Reasons, born in Chicago and raised in Crowley, Texas, carved out an illustrious football career that began at Crowley High School, where he earned 13 varsity letters and was named a first-team All-State tight end. At Northwestern State University in Louisiana (1980–1983), Reasons set school records with 394 career tackles, 172 in a single season, and 24 in one game, becoming the first player in NCAA Division I-AA history to earn All-America honors three consecutive years. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996, his collegiate dominance led to his selection by the New York Giants in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft. Reasons played eight seasons with the Giants (1984–1991), appearing in 122 games (80 as a starter), and finished his career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1992, totaling 134 NFL games, 10 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries, and 3.5 sacks. A two-time All-Madden Team selection and member of the Giants’ “Big Blue Wrecking Crew” alongside legends like Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks, Reasons helped the Giants win three NFC East titles and Super Bowls XXI (1986) and XXV (1990). His career-defining plays include the 1989 goal-line hit on Humphrey and a 30-yard fake punt run in the 1990 NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, which set up a crucial field goal in a 15–13 victory that propelled the Giants to Super Bowl XXV. Named to the Giants’ Top 100 Players of All-Time list in 2024 (No. 76), Reasons’ legacy endures as a testament to his toughness and clutch performance.

A Masterpiece of Action and Art

Brown’s painting titled “Snowed In” is more than a tribute to this moment—it’s a work of art that resonates with football fans and collectors alike. His impressionistic approach, with vibrant, sweeping strokes, captures the chaos of the snowstorm while highlighting the precision of the tackle. The details of Reasons and Humphrey colliding—helmets lowered, bodies straining—evoke the raw physicality of the sport. Brown’s ability to balance action and artistry has made him a celebrated figure in sports art, with works featured in collections worldwide.

Exclusive Limited-Edition Prints

Adding to its prestige, The Hit titled “Snowed-In” was published as a limited-edition canvas print, officially licensed by the NFL and NFLPA through the Deacon Jones Foundation Art Initiative. These rare prints, true to the original’s vivid detail and emotional weight, are highly sought after by collectors and Giants fans. Available exclusively through the New York Giants Shop, NFL Shop, Fanatics, DeaconJones.com, and SportsArtist.com, these limited-edition pieces offer fans a chance to own a piece of NFL history.

Own a Piece of Giants History

Whether you’re a Giants diehard, an art enthusiast, or a collector of sports memorabilia, Edgar J. Brown’s The Hit is a masterpiece that captures the essence of football’s golden era. Don’t miss your opportunity to own this iconic artwork, a vibrant celebration of Gary Reasons’ legendary goal-line stand and the enduring legacy of Big Blue.

Call to Action: Visit the New York Giants Shop, NFL Shop, Fanatics, DeaconJones.com, or SportsArtist.com to secure your limited-edition canvas print today and bring home a piece of NFL history!