Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey

Eli Manning does not play on special teams — never has — but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t made an impression on the Giants players who do. Or the coaches.

McGaughey first worked for the Giants from 2007-2010 as their assistant special teams coordinator, meaning he earned a Super Bowl ring and knows what Eli means to this organization. He spoke about his experience with Manning the impact he’s had.

“Eli, he is a pro’s pro. From the first day I stepped in here in ’07 to now, he’s been the same exact guy every day,” McGaughey said. “Every morning, he’s the first guy in the building, eating breakfast at 6:15 or 6:30. He gets out here, he works, he does what he’s supposed to do. He’s always a willing helper. He’s just one of the funniest cats you’ll ever be around. You guys don’t (know), some of you do, but he’s a big-time practical joker. He is a great guy, great teammate, and he’s going to be definitely missed around here.

“He’s a legend in his own right. I’ve got to thank him before he gets out of here for giving me a ring, because he did a heck of a job in that ’07 season. All of the memories and just being around E all of time, especially back then when I first got here, just watching him grow as a quarterback and now just to come back and just to see him as the old man in the building, just the old grizzly veteran who is a guy that just loves ball. He just loves ball.

“He’s a great teammate, and just to see the transformation being the starter to being the backup and how he’s helped Daniel (Jones), and how good of a teammate he’s been to Daniel. I’ll tell you what, it’s a beautiful thing because I promise you it doesn’t happen like that all of time. This is his building. He was the first quarterback to move into this building and he’s been the guy here ever since we walked into the building. To be able to make that transition and do it so graciously and with class is typical Eli Manning.”