It took me a season to warm up to Eli but his unforgettable 2007 season cemented any doubt that I had about his ability or his character. He was a class act on and off the field and he saved his best for the biggest stages.
2 championship runs mostly away in tough conditions and defeating the incredible Patriots twice leave no doubt in my mind that Eli is one of NY’s greatest sports figures and a Giants hero for the ages. I will miss him and appreciate him more with every passing year.
One recent Eli memory--when Daniel Jones was put in as his replacement on an opening drive Jones marched the team down the field and scored. Manning waited til Jones was by himself and then went over to congratulate him personally. Jones was so surprised he actually thanked Manning for the courtesy.
A class act from start to finish.
5
About 5 years too late, but I guess better late than never.
I’ll never forget the joy that Eli brought me during our Super bowl wins. But, perhaps even more so, I will never forget the feelings of pain and anger that I’ve endured due to Eli’s poor demeanor, unnecessary interceptions, and general inability to inspire the team or NYG fans for many of the past several seasons.
If you’re reading this, Danny Dimes, I believe in you!
1
Eli Manning is the reason that Tom Brady doesn't have the record for winning the most Super Bowls
6
Eli played hurt, never complained about his teammates, took all the heat when the team loses. Tops in clutch and class.
73
We are season ticket holders since the early days . Eli is a throw back to the quiet , unassuming guys that used to be common in the NFL .
Though we have a hard time filling our 4 seats now , we will all remember the no drama quarterback who let the others go about slowly ruining the sport that has been diminished in todays world.
He never got injured because no one wanted to hurt him . So long Eli . So long NFL .
It sure won't be the same without Eli. Thank you for the classy way you ALWAYS represented the Giants organization. Thank you for all the big moments you gave Giants fans. Thank you for the two Lombardi trophies. See you when they put you in the Ring of Honor!
1
Eli Manning has always been a class act. He will truly be missed on the gridiron.
1
Two rings.
2
Eli was a wonderful QB and a better person. He will be missed. It is a shame that his last year was tainted by the two incompetents of the Apocalypse -- Gettleman and Shurmur.
1
Goodbye, old friend.
2
Chiefs fan here. Those 2007 and 2011 Giants teams were bizarre. They could look like the worst/best team from week to week, but their postseason play was amazing. They were unstoppable on those runs, wonderful NFL memories. They were a weird and unique team in both those seasons though. Remember Brady laughing in the pre-game press conference when the Giants player predicted they would only score 17 points? Classic.
Jerry Reese had some terrible drafts and the team's offensive line went down the tubes. Eli's performance suffered as a result. The Giants franchise seems to be falling apart...poor coaching, bad drafts, terrible free agent signings. Let's hope they turn it around.
2
He could have thrown less interceptions if he wasn't so unselfish and cared about the stats. With a leaky offensive line sometimes he just threw to give his time a chance if they were losing, not caring about INTs. You can tell the guy did not care about stats, he just wanted to win. It was painful to watch the last few years, he was basically rushed on every single play.
2
I have been privileged to watch Eli for 20 years. He came to Ole Miss and put the fun back in football. And then I became a NY Giant fan. I subscribed to NFL Sunday ticket and probably haven’t missed 5 games since he became the starting QB. Such a pleasure to watch, his class and professionalism have defined him everywhere he played. He will be missed but I wish him only success in whatever endeavor he chooses. Good luck E!!
4
It's always a little sad when a sports icon retires. I remember when #7 Mickey Mantle; #56 Lawrence Taylor (LT) & #11 Phil Simms retired -- my 3 favorite NY players. I thought the Yankees & Giants would never be the same without them.
However, both teams went on to win Championships.
Eli a two time Superbowl MVP beating the Patriots & Tom Brady - TWICE - brought a lot of pride & excitement to Giants fans.
I'll miss Eli. I wish him well & thank you Eli for 16 years with 'BIG BLUE.'
3
Perfect opportunity to replace #56 with #10 as one of your favorite NY a players.
1
HOFer. 7th all time in yards thrown, 7th all time in TDs thrown. 3rd all time in consecutive starts, 4x Pro-Bowler, 2x Super Bowl MVP, 2x Super Bowl winner, Walter Peyton Award winner.
Plus, his impact on the memories of an entire generation of NFL fans is monumental. The Patriots, perhaps the best dynasty in all of sports, and Tom Brady, perhaps the best player in all of sports cannot be mentioned without mentioning Eli Manning.
Eli slayed the dragon, twice!
2
I had two problems with Eli: interceptions and that hangdog look he had after throwing one. That said, a ton of HOF QB's threw more -- Brett, Peyton and Marino to name a few.
He never embarrassed the franchise, won a couple of amazing Super Bowls and made some great ESPN commercials. He came from football royalty and he didn't drop the ball.
Well done Eli.
3
Eli is a class act from a classy family. Thank you, Eli, for maintaining your values (in addition to your many talents) for so long. We are reminded daily how important those values are as we swirl in the current corruption.
6
How far the Giants have fallen. Don't blame it on Eli.
6
Getting tired of the instant HOF analysis every time a star athlete’s possible ( or as here- actual) retirement is announced. Jeez, let the guy announce his retirement in peace so we can express our appreciation and say thanks while he rides off into the sunset. We have years to analyze induction into the HOF.
4
Eli, you beat the Patriots TWICE.
America (with the possible exception of New England) thanks you!
Enjoy your retirement and please do at least one commercial with Peyton. Maybe in time for the Super Bowl?
12
Congratulations on a great career, Eli!
4
Pedigrees work for dogs and horses.
Eli has been an adequate bridge from Simms to the next good Giant quarterback.
Not a hall of fame quarterback, he was never a top three quarterback at any point in his career.
Adequate, with a great defense at the Super Bowls.
Granted....a great pass to Manningham.
Lucky grab of a jump ball by Tyree.
But how many bounce passes at the feet of receivers?
2
many.
A good man, but merely adequate quarterback.
1
[[Eli Manning Announces His Retirement]]
Good Thanks for the rings. Get some rest.
2
Can we retire Tarkington's number?
3
@MauiYankee I loved watching Tarkington play, and he is part of Giant history, but he is really a Viking.
We love you Eli Manning, you will be missed, you are a true champion both on the field and as a person. You are already in the HOF for standing tall in the face of the ultimate adversity.
7
I wish the Giants had spent the bucks to consistently have better O-lines over the years to protect Manning. As great a record as he had, a great O-line makes even a so-so QB look great.
Despite that Eli gave us some great thrills, and beating the "18-and-Oh! No!" Patriots was the greatest. Like Phil Simms years before him, Eli deservedly was adored by Giants fans. Neither is the legend that Broadway Joe is, but, frankly, both were far better QBs than Namath ever was.
Eli, you're still young at 39--you have a whole, full life ahead of you--enjoy it!
9
Thanks for the memories, Eli!
3
Thank you Eli. I might have lost the office pool, but beating the Brady and the Pats was worth it! Warmest wishes for a well deserved retirement!
4
With all the focus on his dignity, humility, and grace (all true), as well as engineering great comeback victories, over and over again, in the most pressure-packed games (all true), including two Super Bowl victories (I still tingle), the story and the commentary seems to suggest that Eli Manning was some kind of lesser quarterback who managed to overcome his shortcomings. Baloney. To wit: NFL top 10 all-time in completions, top 10 all-time in yardage, top 10 all-time in touchdowns. If those aren't Canton credentials I don't know what would be.
21
@jg Well said. I'd add that Eli is a two time Super Bowl MVP.
2
@jg
@jg
I agree.
You don't.
What I admired about Eli was the class he ALWAYS exhibited, whether in victory or defeat. It would have been so easy to blame his teammates, especially his offensive line, for his unimpressive win-loss record, or management, for failing to provide him with a decent supporting cast, or the coaching staff, for coming up with poor game plans, but he never said anything except he had to play better.
Sure, I will remember his memorable super bowl performances against the Patriots, but the most lasting impression for me will be Manning the person.
17
He was the best kind of hero — an underdog. He wasn’t the most accurate, didn’t have the best arm strength and couldn’t run, but when you needed someone to win the big game, he was the one who seemed to always play at a higher level.
5
Eli belongs in the Hall of Fame for no other reason than saving the rest of us from Patriot Nation having a perfect season.
Godspeed, Eli!
10
@T Montoya
He is not Hall of Fame. Basically his stats are average to a little bit above average. At times when he was younger he was above average however fir the last ten years he played below average sometimes looking incompetent other times looking medicated.
1
@T Montoya Godspeed is for when someone dies. The endless New York hype machine, angry about Jeter’s one negative vote now, started long ago to try to Jedi mind trick the country into thinking that a 117 win and 117 loss record was not any indication of mediocrity.
People should stop calling any individual player who was on a championship team “champion” of so and so year.
1
@Kim Young
How do you know what somebody else "should" do?
Athletes play sports to win, and to win championships. When he or she is on a team that wins a championship, he or she is a "champion." It actually is just that simple.
Pro athletes don't play in order to get elected to a hall of fame. They play to win. Hard to see any point in whatever it is you're carping about.
3
Eli Manning was a fine quarterback ill-treated in the twilight of his career, much as his brother was.
The NFL acronym also expands to "Not For Long", and all professional players know that, even if they only acknowledge it subconsciously.
Eli should be proud of his career. He did right by his team, profession, and his own obvious sense of standards. From where I sit, he continues to represent the best of what an NFL player can and should be.
Bravo, sir, bravo.
13
Got lucky against the patriots twice. Passing stats don't mean much, it's the QBR and TD/interception ratio that people are starting to look at more closely. For that reason I think eEli will miss out on the HOF...rightfully.
2
@Chad
Wild guess...you're a right wing, trump supporting fox viewer. Proudly complicit and oblivious to the coarsening of life in these United States.
6
@Chad
Doing it twice means it isn't luck.
1
@Chad
Let me make this point one more time, then I'll give it a rest. This isn't about the Hall of Fame.
And I agree with Sammy, it wasn't luck. His passing in the 4th quarters of the two SB wins was precisely and explicitly what the Ernie Accorsi drafted him for. You could look it up.
1
Stats are important; winning games matters and leading teams to the Super Bowl is the top of the heap.
But to my mind, the Manning boys gave us and pro football something more; decent, real guys who always set an example, no matter what the score.
Most kids see athletes as super heroes and role models. Thanks for all of the Mannings for showing us that one can be good ---and decent at the same time.
70
Thank you Eli! Those Super Bowl wins and the games won against other brilliant teams were incredible and brought us so much joy! You are one of the very best quarterbacks in the history of the game. I am happy that you can step away from the game with all your faculties and I know we will see and hear from you again. You are too talented, empathetic and caring to fade away. Thanks for all those games even when you were hurt. Best of luck in your new 2nd season.
38
Eli Manning is and always will be the best Quarterback in football. He killed the GOAT! twice! nuff said.
Eli, here's to you my friend, thanks for so many wonderful Giants Football Memories.
enjoy the next chapter of life!
Your the best!
8
@ScottY
He was not the best . If you break his career down in three parts , the first five years was great , the second was average , and the third he was way below average. Basically , the Giants gave him a poor management style the last ten years.
1
The more personable and understated of the Manning brothers. Not always in our face as a commercial shill.
6
Thanks Eli!
You took a licking and kept on ticking.
And you might have been a 3 time superbowl champ if a certain someone didn't shoot himself in the leg.
Enjoy your retirement.
8
Class personified.
9
A class act and a decent quarterback.
13
A giant of a Giant...
5
He had a good run. Time to hang ‘em up.
1
Unmatched for character — something in the league and in the nation in short supply.
14
Eli manning the Inspector Closer and Mr, Bean of NFL QBs. It’s sad to see a great city stuck with such mediocre ownership of its sports franchises outsides of the Yankees. Unlike every other part of the city which demands results nys teams can be great or terrible and still make massive profits
1
when a team and coach caves to a loud and dumb fan base to reinstate a player, who was wholly underperforming, they're hurting the player more. it seals the deal on the player being, and worse feeling himself untouchable - short of a trade or retirement. had manning weathered the benching for half games, he might have found a new passion. but lets face reality Giant's fans...he played passionless ball for the last six-ish seasons...with only moments of the Champion poking through intermittently. he might have finished his career on higher notes, had he been let go and gone to another team a half dozen years ago. the franchise needs a lot of work, but regretfully the hubris of the owners wont get it done for well...maybe forever.
1
He should of retired three years ago but got to make $50 million over three years so who can blame him. He won two Super Bowls but Giant management could of won more but they are close to inept. They repeated so many mistakes in the last five years and are now thought of us a third rate team. Guess what Giants you should be called The New Jersey Giants for you don’t play football in N.Y. The team knows how to make money for fans are loyal but at this time the owners are close to incompetent.
3
Thank you, Eli. Thank you for never being an embarrassment to your family, the team, the city or the league.
Thank you for your graciousness in the face of criticism and adversity.
Your place in football history is assured. You made the right decision to retire at the right time, while you could still walk off the field with dignity and pride. Beyond your skills on the field you brought a sense of decency and grace to the game.
I feel privileged to have been a fan of yours for sixteen years and will miss your quiet steadiness.
And last but not least, thank you for beating Tom Brady and the Patriots twice. I just love that one!
9
Eli bails out the Mara family again showing his class and dignity, while John Mara drives this franchise down to Dolan-like levels. Eli, stay classy ! We need more voices like yours.
4
In an era dominated by Tom Brady, a dominant competitor who always looked good doing it (thanks in large part to an impenetrable Offensive Line that kept him on his feet)... I was proud of our QB, Eli Manning, sitting in the pocket for that extra quarter of a second to deliver the miraculous passes necessary to win, knowing that each of those last-second passes would cost him a potentially career-ending injury as he took hit after hit from 300-pound linebackers and defensive ends... and got right back up to finish the job as best as he could.
It was never pretty, the way Brady’s performances are, but the grit and leadership Eli showed, on the biggest stage (twice), in the most unforgiving sports town in the country, season after season, game after game, snap after snap, without so much as a negative comment to the press about his teammates, coaching staff, or management... is truly remarkable, and I doubt I’ll see anything like it again in my lifetime.
Enjoy your retirement, Eli, you deserve it.
15
@Fed Up
At times the offensive line gave him less then 2 seconds. Lol they were great in the first seven years but then fell apart.
2
A Super Bowl champion, and class act in a every way. Although he would sometimes drive us Giants fans crazy, he always gave his all. And beating the Patriots (as underdogs no less) in 2 Super Bowls sustains we fans through the current malaise. Rock on, Eli ! Go Giants !
19
The only number that matters is 2.
Beating Brady, Belichick, and the ‘Mighty’ Patriots not once, but twice?!?! in this country’s biggest sports stage?!?! And ruining a perfect season to boot!?!?
I cannot overstate the significance of Eli Manning in both NY sports and NFL history.
Eli, Thank you!!
17
@rR Correct! And two Super Bowl MVP awards.
3
Understated excellence. No gaudy records but big wins. A gentleman.
5
Eli Manning is a class act and a really, really good QB. I love and respect the Manning family. Peyton was a class act and a really, really good QB. Both these boys were really, really good! Were they great? Compared to what? I’d say their dad was a great. He suffered with the ever dreadful Saints and never gave up. I’d say their mom was a great. She suffered with all that testosterone, competitiveness and ego in one home while they (including Archie) were growing up. Eli (and Peyton) are Hall of Fame QBs without question. Look at the records and stats. Greats? That remains to be seen. A really, really good QB family and Godspeed one and all. The league will miss you and so will I.
2
Congrats on a long, great career from an Eagles fan. Two rings is a big accomplishment and should earn Eli a spot in Canton.
12
Over 15 years later, I can still see the look on Eli's face when he had to hold the Chargers jersey up for the ceremonial pics as the number one pick in the '04 draft. His face betrayed his revulsion, and I found his draft-day conduct to be terribly unsportsmanlike. (To this day, any mention of Papa Arch turns my stomach - at the time of Eli's draft, Arch was a middle-aged man with a full football career behind him; he certainly should have known to behave better than he did that day, or many days since when he has opined publicly about his grown sons' careers.)
That said, Eli's conduct over the ensuing years earned my respect. Quiet, hard-working, a team player, Eli somehow always had the Patriots' number when he needed it most. While I believe his elder brother Peyton is truly the GOAT, I have a good deal of affection and respect for Eli. Wishing Eli and his family all the best in his retirement.
8
Eli is a true gentleman: courteous, humble, respectful of his opponents and colleagues, hard working and full of fun. I appreciate all Eli has done for the Giants and wish him all the best!
9
I’ve been a Giants fan since I was a boy, suffered through the horrific times and enjoyed the Super Bowl winners and contenders. Eli was the finest NY Giants QB of the last 50 years (sorry Phil). Always a class act, cool under pressure, big in the Big Games and very underrated by most sports writers. Thanks for all those great years (and your 2-0 record against the Brady Patsinhe Super Bowl ) Eli. Enjoy retirement.
11
What a sports day for my Yankees and Giants. I am watching the Derek Jeter HOF coverage on the MLB Network and the next favorite channel on my TV is the NFL Network, Tuning during a commercial break, I see the breaking News Eli Manning announces retirement. What a confluence of events. Two NY sports i
cons, multiple champions and greater individuals, whom kids of all ages marveled at. Congratulations to # 2 and # 10, one now in Cooperstown, and the other hopefully one day in Canton.
3
He is and will always be over-rated. He has championships and mvps because of lucky receptions by talented and athletic sportsmen.
I will remember him closing his eyes when lobbing the ball for anyone to catch, falling and falling to the ground and fumbling, and deliriously letting the play clock run out during dozens and dozens of crucial plays over the last few years.
I do admire his stoic leadership, endurance, and image as a nice guy. I won’t remember him for anything he did great on the field. Anyone can rack up stats with longevity - anyone.
Good luck Eli with your next chapter.
1
@Chris B How about two Super Bowl MVP awards?
1
I am a Patriots fan and have the utmost respect for Eli. Always a class act and consistently one of the 10 best QBs in football. The guy was great under pressure. He stole two Super Bowls from us yet I will always him very positively.
11
Best wishes to Eli; I met Archie once and I bet the apple fell close to that tree. As an Eagles fan I almost wanted you to win that last game..........You will be missed.
7
18-1. Giants fans will know what I mean.
Thanks Eli. Ya done good.
26
Thanks CHAMP for the run! In true Blue tradition you you made great plays and great memories.
11
As a transplanted NYer to Dallas, TX for the pass 20-odd years, it would always upset Cowboys fans when they would compare Tony Romo to Eli on a number of stats, but one stat they couldn't compare Tony to Eli - the number of SB rings!
Good luck and enjoy retirement - you desired it!
8
@George & Veronica B
Its past and not pass. See what TX does to you?
2
An add to do many great comments here.
Eli Manning #10 — A very rare role model.
A man who sees giving as the foundation of fulfillment.
He wanted to help, had the resources and time, he volunteered and though few of us will ever know the positive impact Eli Manning had and will undoubtedly have with those and their families who could not do it on their own — most of it, almost entirely was intentionally done without any publicity.
So if Eli spoke after the wins and recognized the coaching, fans, defense and the other ten on the offense doing their assignments, it was all truly honest.
The QB gets too much acclaim in wins less so in losses and when Eli’s team lost he never mentioned anyone but himself and Eli accepted that he was the mainly the reason for the defeat.
Easy Eli, a mensch I can always remind myself how to be humble and generous.
Eli Manning, a NFL man of the year.
Eli Manning, a role model for us and generations to come.
16
As a long-time NJ Jets fan, I am and will be forever grateful for Eli Manning’s twice defeating New England in the Super Bowl, including the first of the two in which he halted NE’s shot at a modern-day undefeated season.
Those two monumental victories should be his legacy. They are priceless. Nice job, Eli.
33
@Guitar M
I'm a Santa Clara Niners fan!
1
Great quaterback and even greater person. I hated when the Giants beat my 49ers, but always though Eli was/is a class act. I wish him well in retirement :D
18
I will never forget those two amazing Super Bowl wins! What an amazing career. This Giant fan is forever grateful for what you have given us. Thank you Eli! Enjoy retirement!
34
Sports and life itself is not all about winning and losing. Its about dignity, kindness, and leadship. I have been frustrated with Eli Manning at times but I wouldn't trade his time with Giants for any other football franchise. Any.
27
Thank you so much for the joy you brought us a few times. You're always took the blames, you never threw anybody under the bus. You're a true GENTLEMAN.
You'll be missed by real GIANTS fans. THANK YOU.
35
As I lifelong Giants fan, Eli Manning was a solid quarterback but not at the level of the hall of fame.
The Giant’s best qb in my lifetime is Fran Tarkenton
6
@Anonymous I, too, am a lifelong Giants fan and Tarkenton was a vast improvement over Morrell, but one winning season and no playoff appearances for Tarkenton? Hard to call that best.
1
He belongs in theHall of Fame
2
@Anonymous Of course he’s a Hall of Famer. He won two Super Bowls, one against an undefeated team. He was the SB MVP twice and his passing statistics are amongst the best In the game. A bunch of years he played for awful teams. If he played in New England he may have won more SBs than Brady and would certainly have better stats.
Please...everyone stop with this stuff. The dude’s a HoFer.
6
To Eli Manning, thank you so much for giving your heart and soul to our season ticket family for so long.
We appreciate your work ethic, composure, and abilities that will no doubt land you in the Hall of Fame.
May you have a healthy life to enjoy your family and your future.
30
Eli produced two THRILLING Super Bowl victories...A lopsided or boring victory ain’t the same thing for a fan...Seemed like a very decent fellow but never a real New Yorker...or a Jersey guy for that matter...
Thanks Eli!
12
Eli Manning delivered on the promise that sports performances can display moral attributes and not merely physical ones. The calm with which he led late comebacks and his ability to not let setbacks affect his performance were admirable. And then there were the best performances that came when the pressure was greatest. There are athletes who I’ve marveled at but none who provided the moments he did. Thanks, Eli!
41
Sure he was a fine player, a fine man who will be missed. But perhaps I’ll cherish him most for that Super Bowl commercial where he did “the Dirty Dancing lift” with Odell Beckham Jr.! Wishing him a wonderful retirement.
37