Eli Manning, American football player

Elisha Nelson Manning, widely known as Eli Manning, is a distinguished former American football quarterback who dedicated his entire 16-season National Football League (NFL) career to the New York Giants. Born on January 3, 1981, Manning emerged from a family deeply rooted in football, carving out his own remarkable legacy in the sport.

After a standout collegiate career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he set numerous school records, Manning entered the highly anticipated 2004 NFL Draft. He was selected as the first overall pick by the San Diego Chargers. However, a pivotal moment in draft history occurred when he was immediately traded to the New York Giants in exchange for quarterback Philip Rivers, who was drafted fourth overall, along with additional draft picks. This historic trade set the stage for Manning's enduring tenure with the Giants.

Eli is the youngest son of Archie Manning, a respected former NFL quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, and the younger brother of Peyton Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion and NFL Hall of Famer. This unique lineage positioned Eli within one of professional football's most celebrated families, with all three male Mannings having played quarterback in the NFL.

A Legacy Defined by Championship Upset Victories

While Eli Manning's career trajectory often saw periods of inconsistency in regular season performance, his legacy is indelibly marked by his extraordinary ability to elevate his play in the most critical moments, particularly in the postseason. He is most celebrated for twice leading the New York Giants to improbable Super Bowl victories against the formidable New England Patriots dynasty, considered one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.

Super Bowl XLII: Defying the Undefeated

The most iconic of these triumphs came in Super Bowl XLII (2008), where the wild card Giants, entering as significant underdogs, faced a New England Patriots team that was attempting to cap off a perfect 19-0 season, having won all 16 regular season games and two playoff games. The Giants' stunning 17-14 victory, sealed by a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback and an iconic "Helmet Catch" by David Tyree, is widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Manning's composure and clutch performance, culminating in the game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, earned him the Super Bowl XLII Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Super Bowl XLVI: A Repeat Performance

Four years later, in Super Bowl XLVI (2012), Manning once again led the Giants to an underdog victory over the Patriots, securing a 21-17 win. This second championship solidified his reputation as a big-game quarterback who thrived under immense pressure. For his stellar performance, which included another crucial late-game drive, Manning was again named Super Bowl MVP. This achievement placed him in an elite fraternity, as he became one of only five players in NFL history to earn multiple Super Bowl MVP awards, joining legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Patrick Mahomes (as of the 2024 season).

Franchise Records and Remarkable Durability

As the steadfast starting quarterback for the New York Giants from his rookie season in 2004 until his final year in 2019, Eli Manning established himself as the most statistically accomplished quarterback in franchise history. He holds the Giants' all-time records for:

• Passing yards
• Touchdown passes
• Completions

Beyond his statistical prowess, Manning was renowned for his exceptional durability. He never missed a single game due to injury throughout his career, a testament to his resilience and commitment. From his first start in 2004 to the end of the 2017 season, Manning started an incredible 210 consecutive games. This "iron man" streak stands as the third-longest consecutive starts streak by an NFL quarterback, trailing only Brett Favre (297) and Philip Rivers (240), underscoring his remarkable reliability in a physically demanding sport.

Upon his retirement, Eli Manning ranked among the NFL's all-time elite passers, securing eighth place in career passing yards and ninth in career touchdown passes, further cementing his place in the annals of professional football history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eli Manning

When did Eli Manning retire from the NFL?

Eli Manning officially retired from the NFL on January 22, 2020, after playing his entire 16-season career with the New York Giants.

How many Super Bowls did Eli Manning win?

Eli Manning won two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XLII in 2008 and Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, both against the New England Patriots.

Who are Eli Manning's famous family members?

Eli Manning comes from a prominent football family. His father is former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and his older brother is two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

What is Eli Manning's most notable achievement?

Eli Manning is most notably recognized for leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories over the heavily favored New England Patriots dynasty, particularly the upset victory in Super Bowl XLII against an undefeated Patriots team. He also earned Super Bowl MVP honors in both championship games.