New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton had a tremendous rookie campaign, erupting onto the scene with 48 receptions for 740 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
However, the highlight of Slayton’s first season in the NFL came during a Week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins in which he caught what turned out to be Eli Manning’s last ever touchdown pass.
After that game, Slayton joked about holding onto the football, but he revealed during a Sunday press conference celebrating the 60th anniversary of the #518gives fundraiser to benefit the Center for Disability Services that he had returned it to Manning.
Slayton added that it was “an honor” to play alongside a legend as big as Eli.
“It’s huge,” Slayton said, via the Daily Gazette. “He’s a legend of the game. A New York legend, somebody I have a tremendous amount of respect for. I’m young right now and just a rookie. Right now, it’s just another [touchdown] ball. I’m sure, when I look back on my career, it will be something that is really special to me, because not everybody has the opportunity to play with someone of that caliber. It’s an honor.
“I wanted to keep [the football], but I think [Eli] has it.”
Slayton had been very much in awe of Manning throughout the season, and the two developed a relatively unique chemistry despite not taking many snaps together. Manning even called him an “easy target” and expressed a belief that the rookie could become a legitimate game-changer throughout his career.
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