New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons on Wednesday evening, and his decision to step away from the game has elicited quite the emotional response.
Those who know Manning and have worked with him throughout the years feel tethered to him for eternity, and perhaps no one better represents that than Tom Coughlin, who joined the Giants at the same time Manning arrived in 2004.
Side-by-side with Manning, Coughlin saw the Giants win two Super Bowl titles — both victories over the New England Patriots. But it’s Manning the person who meant the most to Coughlin.
“Eli, I want to thank you for all that you have done for the Giants, for the NFL, and for the community. You and I came to the Giants together, and it has been an honor and a privilege to work with you and to be your coach. Thank you for all the great memories,” Coughlin said in a statement via The Jay Fund Foundation through Giants Wire. “I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for you and Abby and the children. You are certainly deserving of all the accolades that come your way.
“In the locker room, you were always an incredible combination of a quiet leader and fierce competitor; you represented the Giants in all matters with the utmost integrity and your leadership and skill as a quarterback were key to two Super Bowl victories and being named MVP twice. But it’s the person you are that will be missed the most by your teammates and the entire Giants organization.
“Archie and Olivia should be so proud of the son they raised. Your words and actions epitomize who you are as a player, a teammate, a dad, and a human being. Thank you for all the joy you’ve given to everyone you’ve touched as a New York Giant.”
#ThankYouEli
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