An ode to Eli Manning
On Friday, 24th of January 2020, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning held a press conference to announce his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons in the league. While not a huge surprise, almost inevitable really, it strikes out as something that we all knew was coming, but even when you know, you're still not fully prepared for it.
Eli Manning was drafted 1st overall in the highly lauded 2004 NFL Draft (seriously, go and look up the names in that draft. Not even counting the QB talent of Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Phillip Rivers, and even Matt Schaub - try others such as running back Steven Jackson, safety Sean Taylor, and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald just to scratch the surface of this draft). Despite being drafted by the San Diego Chargers, a trade was made to send him to the New York Giants in exchange for Rivers.
Manning made starts right away, replacing the ageing Kurt Warner as the Giants' starting quarterback. After Warner's departure the following year, it was full steam ahead for Manning. With several up's and down's for both himself and the team, it culminated in 2 Superbowl appearances: the miracle run of 2007, and the come-from-behind 2011 season.
2007 was a planetary alignment, fate of the gods kind of miracle that I believe only the Giants could manifest. After a lacklustre 2006 campaign, a veteran defensive end looking to cap his career on a high, a coach knowing the writings that were on the wall, and a quarterback looking to live up to his family name. It had all the ingredients of a "little train that could" story, highlighted with clutch performances all throughout the playoffs; and to cap it all off: the opponent in that Superbowl? Why, none other than the undefeated New England Patriots, looking to complete their undefeated season, cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant teams the league has ever seen. Except, that didn't happen. The Giants' defence proved too much for Tom Brady and co, but while they had the lead, it all came down to one play. A play forever immortalised in the halls of football lore: The Helmet Catch.
Fourth quarter, 1:15 still on the clock. 3rd and 5th at the Giant's own 44. Manning takes the snap, pressure comes for him, he evades, despite being tugged, he somehow shakes off the onslaught of the Patriots' defence. After escaping, adjusting with the milliseconds he has, he spots a singular white jersey down the field, heaves if down towards the centre of the field (an absolute no-no in the football world due to the near indefinite chance you'll be picked off by the defence), and there he is: David Tyree, who was cold and ineffective the practice prior to the game, launches himself up into the air, makes the catch. Despite pressure in the air by Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, Tyree secures the ball between one hand and his helmet, securing the catch and completing the play. A few more plays later, and Manning lobs an easy drop for wide receiver Plaxico Burress into the end zone to gain the lead, and seal the game.
And there it was: the 2007 Superbowl winning New York Giants. I could gush about this entire season, but instead of boring you all to tears, go and watch the "America's Game" about it if you're interested. I just wanted to show what this team means to many, including myself, and part of the reason I love and support this team, and Manning himself.
Manning was always a frustrating player, personally speaking. While he was calm, cool, and collective for the most part and well known for pulling comebacks from out of nowhere, Manning was also prone to the occasional game killing interception. He was Jekyl, and he was Hynd. That being said, the good side prevailed, for the most part. For every "leading the league in interceptions", there was a Superbowl MVP award. For every collapse, there was a comeback. For every pick, there was touchdown.
Even removing his 2 Superbowl accolades, like several detractors have attempted to do, Manning's accomplishments speak for itself: 7th in the NFL's all time touchdown record, 7th in passing yards, 3rd in consecutive starts, including never missing a game due to injury. This man was the starting quarterback for a single team for just under half of my entire lifetime. Just typing that is incredible in hindsight. Not to mention his chemistry with the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. (just tell your friends that it was Eli Manning throwing to allegedly one of the best wide receivers in the league right now), Plaxico Burress, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Jeremy Shockey.
He may not have been perfect, but he was perfect for me and my team.
So as I sit here, in my blue #10 Giants jersey, I say "Thank you, Eli." Thank you for carrying this team through thick and thin, delivering moments that will live on forever in Giants history, bowing out with the utmost of grace and respect, and helping to usher in the new generation of the New York Giants.
Thank you.
Eli Manning was drafted 1st overall in the highly lauded 2004 NFL Draft (seriously, go and look up the names in that draft. Not even counting the QB talent of Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Phillip Rivers, and even Matt Schaub - try others such as running back Steven Jackson, safety Sean Taylor, and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald just to scratch the surface of this draft). Despite being drafted by the San Diego Chargers, a trade was made to send him to the New York Giants in exchange for Rivers.
Manning made starts right away, replacing the ageing Kurt Warner as the Giants' starting quarterback. After Warner's departure the following year, it was full steam ahead for Manning. With several up's and down's for both himself and the team, it culminated in 2 Superbowl appearances: the miracle run of 2007, and the come-from-behind 2011 season.
2007 was a planetary alignment, fate of the gods kind of miracle that I believe only the Giants could manifest. After a lacklustre 2006 campaign, a veteran defensive end looking to cap his career on a high, a coach knowing the writings that were on the wall, and a quarterback looking to live up to his family name. It had all the ingredients of a "little train that could" story, highlighted with clutch performances all throughout the playoffs; and to cap it all off: the opponent in that Superbowl? Why, none other than the undefeated New England Patriots, looking to complete their undefeated season, cementing their legacy as one of the most dominant teams the league has ever seen. Except, that didn't happen. The Giants' defence proved too much for Tom Brady and co, but while they had the lead, it all came down to one play. A play forever immortalised in the halls of football lore: The Helmet Catch.
Fourth quarter, 1:15 still on the clock. 3rd and 5th at the Giant's own 44. Manning takes the snap, pressure comes for him, he evades, despite being tugged, he somehow shakes off the onslaught of the Patriots' defence. After escaping, adjusting with the milliseconds he has, he spots a singular white jersey down the field, heaves if down towards the centre of the field (an absolute no-no in the football world due to the near indefinite chance you'll be picked off by the defence), and there he is: David Tyree, who was cold and ineffective the practice prior to the game, launches himself up into the air, makes the catch. Despite pressure in the air by Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, Tyree secures the ball between one hand and his helmet, securing the catch and completing the play. A few more plays later, and Manning lobs an easy drop for wide receiver Plaxico Burress into the end zone to gain the lead, and seal the game.
And there it was: the 2007 Superbowl winning New York Giants. I could gush about this entire season, but instead of boring you all to tears, go and watch the "America's Game" about it if you're interested. I just wanted to show what this team means to many, including myself, and part of the reason I love and support this team, and Manning himself.
Manning was always a frustrating player, personally speaking. While he was calm, cool, and collective for the most part and well known for pulling comebacks from out of nowhere, Manning was also prone to the occasional game killing interception. He was Jekyl, and he was Hynd. That being said, the good side prevailed, for the most part. For every "leading the league in interceptions", there was a Superbowl MVP award. For every collapse, there was a comeback. For every pick, there was touchdown.
Even removing his 2 Superbowl accolades, like several detractors have attempted to do, Manning's accomplishments speak for itself: 7th in the NFL's all time touchdown record, 7th in passing yards, 3rd in consecutive starts, including never missing a game due to injury. This man was the starting quarterback for a single team for just under half of my entire lifetime. Just typing that is incredible in hindsight. Not to mention his chemistry with the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. (just tell your friends that it was Eli Manning throwing to allegedly one of the best wide receivers in the league right now), Plaxico Burress, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Jeremy Shockey.
He may not have been perfect, but he was perfect for me and my team.
So as I sit here, in my blue #10 Giants jersey, I say "Thank you, Eli." Thank you for carrying this team through thick and thin, delivering moments that will live on forever in Giants history, bowing out with the utmost of grace and respect, and helping to usher in the new generation of the New York Giants.
Thank you.
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