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After 16 years in the NFL, Eli Manning has officially called it quits with his final press conference as a member of the New York Giants.
“This sport has very few real farewells,” Manning said from the Giants’ practice facility on Friday. “It’s impossible to explain the satisfaction, and actually the joy I’ve experienced being a Giant.
“From the very first moment, I did it my way. I couldn’t be someone other than who I am. Undoubtedly I would’ve made the fans, the media and even the front office more comfortable if I was a more rah-rah guy. But that’s not me. Ultimately I choose to believe that my teammates and the fans learned to appreciate that. They knew what they got was pure unadulterated Eli.”
As if anyone had any doubt, Giants co-owner John Mara also announced that they will be retiring Eli’s number 10 and inducting him into the team’s ring of honor next season.
“It was important for me to go out as a Giant,” Manning added. “It was the right thing to call it a career and end it instead of trying to uproot my family.”
Eli’s brother Peyton Manning has shared his thoughts on his brother’s career, and several other current and former players like Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and many more paid tribute to the Giants QB as he retires.
Congratulations on your retirement, and a great career Eli! Not going to lie though, I wish you hadn’t won any Super Bowls.
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 24, 2020
Eli got wind of Brady’s tweet and responded in his typical fashion, saying, “I’ve been around Tom. I know how competitive he is. We joke around about this a little bit. But it’s not real funny to him.”
From the ‘04 Draft to your great Championships, you exude class both on and off the field, I have admired your career, Eli. Much respect Champ! — Ben. #EliManning pic.twitter.com/sLEsbC49lg
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 24, 2020
Eli you are world class. It was honor competing against you and watching you compete against others. Congrats on all of your achievements throughout your career. Thank you for the impact you help make on a lot of other QB’s.#worldclass #manningpassingacademy #HOF pic.twitter.com/aCclCKrbBv
— Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) January 24, 2020
Drew Brees on Eli Manning “you can not write the story of the NFL without including Eli Manning.” #giants
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 23, 2020
Eli mentions how proud he is to be a Giant and only a Giant. Eli wearing another teams colors would just be wrong. #Respect
— Tedy Bruschi (@TedyBruschi) January 24, 2020
I hate QBs true enough but respect is non negotiable… salute to the #PatriotKiller Eli Manning. #JobWellDone. #Welcome2TheChickenWingsNbeerRetirementClub😎
— ROBERT MATHIS QBH8r (@RobertMathis98) January 22, 2020
Congrats to Eli Manning on a great career. Much respect for him as a player, competitor and person. True legend of the game.
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) January 23, 2020
Congratulations to one of the fiercest competitors the league has ever seen. Man of the Year, Super Bowl champion, philanthropist, and ambassador for the game…the game won’t be the same without you my friend.#ThankYouEli pic.twitter.com/8VXoKYRrB1
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) January 23, 2020
Congrats Eli! #ThankYouEli https://t.co/NaML6Es56x
— Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) January 22, 2020
Congratulations Eli. You’ve been elite in every aspect of being a professional!! pic.twitter.com/fqR4jvsDLD
— DAVID CUTCLIFFE (@DavidCutcliffe) January 24, 2020
Michael Strahan, Hakeem Nicks, Shaun O’Hara, Plaxico, Rich Seubert, David Tyree, Brandon Jacobs, Jeff Feagles among teammates here to support Eli. Also Sterling Shepard & Evan Engram. #NYG
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) January 24, 2020
A #Giant moment ....Mr Mara once said, “There is no such thing as ex Giants,” You are forever a Giant among us and in football. Thanks, Eli 💙 https://t.co/7ee77VqpYS
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) January 24, 2020
Plaxico Burress on anyone who thinks Eli Manning only “might” be a Hall of Famer:
“Might, my ass.”
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) January 24, 2020
Now I guess with both Peyton and Eli officially retired from the NFL, we’ll just have to wait a few more years for their nephew Arch to make his way there. No pressure, kid.
From his very first press conference as a member of the Giants…
To his last…
Eli Manning was without a doubt a class act.