New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning retired from football on Friday and accolades from around the football world have come flooding in.
“Eli Manning leaves an indelible imprint on the New York Giants, their fans, and the NFL,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “His passion for the game, intense preparation, and ability to rise to the occasion were the hallmarks of his career. Eli holds a special place in history, not just for the hoisting the Lombardi trophy and being named Super Bowl MVP twice, but for how he transcended the game with the way he carried himself around teammates, media and – most importantly- fans. That’s one of the many reasons he was named Walter Payton Man of the Year. On the field and in the community, he was a champion. He was also a true competitor and held himself to the highest standard in everything he did. We know he’ll carry that same spirit with him into the future.”
Former Giants general manager Jerry Reese, who has rarely been heard from since being dismissed by the Giants during the 2017 season, had this to say about his former star QB.
“One of the all-time great faces of the New York Giants franchise. It was an honor to work with him. Congratulations, and Godspeed to him and his family.”
Philip Rivers, who the Giants drafted with the fourth overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft and traded to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for Eli, also chimed in:
“Congratulations, Eli, on an awesome career. I always admired your steadiness and dependability over the 16 years. And of course the two unbelievable Super Bowl runs you led your team on. Congrats on a Hall of Fame career.”
Notice that Rivers said, “Hall of Fame career”.
Tom Brady was defeated twice by Manning’s Giants in the Super Bowl. He is a gracious loser it seems as he sent in these remarks.
“Eli was a great competitor and champion. Playing his teams became some of our most challenging moments. We got our share, but they got the most important ones. It’s a credit to his leadership and determination and it was an honor to share the field with him.”
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman drafted Eli’s replacement, Daniel Jones, also knows Eli’s value having been with the team in Eli’s early days with the Giants as well has his final ones.
“To be with the New York Giants to see the beginning and end of Eli’s career has been a blessing. The grace with which he handled all situations on and off the field is something for us all to admire and emulate. Eli is a leader and winner who showed all his teammates and future Giants what it takes to win. I certainly thank him for all that he’s done for the New York Football Giants. We wish Eli, Abby and the children all the Lord’s blessings.”