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Retired New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes has become an exceptionally vocal and public figure after walking away from the game in 2014 following a lengthy battle with MRSA.
Unsurprisingly, Tynes has focused much of his attention on the Giants, proving daily commentary (and comedy), which has helped some fans ease the misery of constant losing.
On Wednesday, Tynes sat down with Ed Valentine of Big Blue View and discussed a number of topics, ranging from Sterling Shepard’s health to Aldrick Rosas’ struggles. He also addressed Eli Manning and the unceremonious end to his Big Blue career.
“It’s tough because of all the things he’s done for us and for the city and for the organization. I think it’s more strange than it is tough. Father Time is undefeated in football, and Eli had an unbelievable run in a really tough market for the greatest football franchise in the NFL,” Tynes said.
“I think it’s just strange to see him standing with a ball cap on and an earpiece and not playing, but I will give management and the coaching staff my full backing on that. It was the right thing to do. There’s clearly kind of a drop-off.”
While Tynes acknowledged a decline in Manning’s play, he stopped short of saying the two-time Super Bowl MVP was “washed,” as the cool kids like to say these days.
“I still think he could do it if he needed to, but I just think where we were as a franchise, you draft Daniel Jones sixth overall, you’ve got to play that kid,” Tynes added. “He just wants the best player to play, who right now is Daniel Jones . . . he’s the ultimate great teammate. He’s just the best.
“I have an enormous amount of respect and love for Eli Manning. Always will.”
The love and respect that Tynes expresses for Manning are a common theme among his former teammates, all of whom would go to war for him. Unfortunately, it’s in stark contrast to Manning’s current teammates, who were reportedly “demoralized” when learning Eli would return in 2019.
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