New York Giants’ Eli Manning to Retire After 16 Seasons in NFL

Eli Manning, we hardly knew thee.

Well, not exactly. After 16 seasons and two Super Bowl victories with the New York Giants, the 39-year-old former quarterback will announce his retirement tomorrow at a press conference, according to the New York Giants. 

Manning played college football at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 2000 to 2003. After his college career, the San Diego Chargers selected him as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and thusly traded him to the Giants, who in return gave up a package of players, highlighted by the fourth overall selection, Philip Rivers. 

While Manning has been on the decline over the past two seasons, with rookie Daniel Jones replacing him behind center this past year, the New York brass and fans alike will miss what he did for the organization, on and off the gridiron. 

“For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant, both on and off the field,” John Mara, the Giants’ president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “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. 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.”

The NFL named Manning — son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning and brother of legendary signal-caller Peyton Manning — to four Pro Bowls and he ranks in the top 10 in league history in both passing touchdowns (366) and passing yards (57,023).

Manning returned for two more games during the 2019-20 season after Jones suffered an injury late in the year, giving him a chance to conclude his career as a starter in the NFL with a record of 117-117.

— Jerry Del Priore