It’s an end of an era. New York Giants’ iconic quarterback Eli Manning announced on Wednesday that he is retiring from professional football after playing 16 years in the NFL.
Manning had one of the toughest years in his career in 2019, being benched for rookie Daniel Jones in Week 3. After the season wrapped up, the 39-year-old was unsure about his future but rejected the idea of being a backup, saying it “wasn’t fun.” He obviously ended up deciding that his chances of being a starter somewhere else are slim, and ride into the sunset with his reputation largely intact.
The news was officially confirmed by Giants via their official website and social media.
“For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field,” said the team’s president and chief executive officer John Mara. “Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise’s history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability.”
“It meant something to Eli to be the Giants quarterback, and it meant even more to us. We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future,” he added.
Although originally drafted by San Diego Chargers in 2004 NFL Draft, Eli Manning and his camp forced a trade to New York Giants, which saw Philip Rivers and other assets heading in the opposite direction. Manning went on to earn four Pro Bowl appearances, post 210 consecutive starts streak at one point and claim almost every Giants’ passing record. He is best remembered, however, for two improbable Super Bowl runs.
Manning led the Giants to Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011, both times against New England Patriots and both times as heavy underdogs. The win in 2007 was especially impressive, as Manning and Giants managed to beat a Pats’ team that was en route to a perfect season.
In both Super Bowls, Manning was named Super Bowl MVP and joined Joe Montana, Bart Starr, Tom Brady, and Terry Bradshaw as the only player with at least two such honors.
