New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is set to announce his retirement on Friday afternoon, and former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis wanted to make sure his respect was well-known.
After a 16-year career, Manning is calling it quits at the age of 39. He enjoyed an illustrious career that included two Super Bowl victories—and MVP awards in them—over the New England Patriots. During those games, Colts fans were certainly rooting for Manning.
Mathis gave Manning a shout out on Twitter saying that while he naturally doesn’t like quarterbacks, he has plenty of respect for the younger Manning brother.
I hate QBs true enough but respect is non negotiable… salute to the #PatriotKiller Eli Manning. #JobWellDone. #Welcome2TheChickenWingsNbeerRetirementClub😎
— ROBERT MATHIS The1st (@RobertMathis98) January 22, 2020
Manning finishes his career with the seventh-most passing yards and passing touchdowns in a career. Those numbers, along with his two Super Bowl MVPs, are likely to get him a nod into the Hall of Fame—regardless of the raging debate that will ensue.
Mathis and Manning were in the league at roughly the same time. Mathis was drafted in 2003 while Manning was selected in 2004. The former finished his career following the 2016 season while Manning wraps up his career after 2019.
As the league passes the torch to the new generation of quarterbacks, Manning ends his career with more accomplishments than most. That is something Mathis can respect in the end.