Eli Manning said farewell to the only franchise he called home in a storied 16-year career with an emotional press conference on Friday.
He was informed by New York Giants co-owner John Mara that he would be inducted into the team’s ring of honor next season … and “no Giant will ever wear No. 10 again.”
Then, Manning delivered an emotional speech that touched on his time with Big Blue, and he ended it with a memorable quote that will be played everywhere in New York and New Jersey, for a very long time.
“For most of my life, people have called me easy,” he said. “Believe me, there is nothing easy about today. (Late owner) Wellington Mara always said: once a Giant, always a Giant. For me, it’s only a Giant.”
“Wellington Mara always said: Once a Giant, always a Giant.
For me, it’s Only a Giant.”
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) January 24, 2020
"No Giant will ever wear No. 10 again." 💙@Giants owner John Mara says Eli Manning will be inducted into the team's ring of honor next season. (via @nflnetwork) pic.twitter.com/pw0vunM69R
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2020
Here are a few other highlights from Friday:
Eli Manning was asked about retiring the same week Yankees icon Derek Jeter was selected for the Hall of Fame. “I’m just trying to figure out which one of y’all didn’t vote for him.” pic.twitter.com/XzZev9Su62
— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) January 24, 2020
Eli Manning loves his unique Giants fans 😅 pic.twitter.com/LMDJbArdof
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 24, 2020
"From the very first moment, I did it my way. I couldn't be something other than who I am" – Eli Manning pic.twitter.com/2Hm3CLSBrS
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 24, 2020
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