Elisha Nelson Manning is a former professional football quarterback who played 16 seasons for the New York Giants in the NFL.
He is renowned for leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories against the New England Patriots, earning Super Bowl MVP honors both times.
Manning holds franchise records for passing yards, touchdowns, and completions and was selected first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers before being traded to the Giants.
Siblings
Eli has two siblings, namely Peyton Manning and Cooper Manning.
Peyton, born on March 24, 1976, is a former NFL quarterback who had a remarkable career playing for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos.
He won two Super Bowls and is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Cooper, born on March 6, 1974, was a promising football player in his youth but had to retire due to a spinal condition before he could compete at the collegiate level.
Despite not playing professionally, Cooper has remained involved in football and has built a successful career in sports media and business.
All three brothers were raised in New Orleans, where they developed their love for football, continuing the family’s athletic legacy.
Career
Manning’s career in the NFL is marked by significant achievements, challenges, and a lasting impact on the game of football.
Born into a football family, with his father, Archie Manning, being a former NFL quarterback and his brother Peyton also achieving legendary status in the league, Manning declared for the 2004 NFL Draft after a standout college career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he set several school records.
He was selected first overall by the San Diego Chargers but was traded to the New York Giants shortly after.
Manning became the starting quarterback for the Giants midway through his rookie season.
Over the next 16 seasons, he established himself as a franchise cornerstone.
His playing style combined a strong arm with impressive poise in the pocket, allowing him to make crucial throws under pressure.
Eli’s most notable accomplishments came during the postseason when he led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories.
In Super Bowl XLII (2008), the Giants faced the undefeated New England Patriots.
In a thrilling game, Manning orchestrated a last-minute drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, securing a 17-14 victory.
This game is often remembered for Manning’s “Helmet Catch” pass to David Tyree.
He then led the Giants to another Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVI (2012), again facing the Patriots.
In this game, Manning threw for 296 yards and one touchdown, leading to another narrow victory at 21-17.
Also Read: Peyton Manning Siblings: Meet Eli and Cooper Manning
His performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP award for both championships.
Throughout his career, Manning consistently put up impressive statistics.
He retired with over 57,000 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes, ranking him among the top quarterbacks in NFL history at that time.
He also had notable performances in regular-season games, including numerous fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives.
Manning was selected to four Pro Bowls (2008, 2012, 2013, 2015) and received several accolades for his leadership and resilience on and off the field.
He was known for his calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure.
Despite his successes, Manning faced challenges throughout his career.
He dealt with criticism regarding his consistency and performance during certain seasons.
The Giants experienced ups and downs as a team, including struggles with offensive line play and coaching changes that affected their overall performance.
Injuries impacted parts of his later career as well; after starting 210 consecutive games—a remarkable feat—Manning’s streak ended in 2017 due to injury and subsequent coaching decisions.
Manning announced his retirement from professional football on January 22, 2020.
His legacy is defined not only by his two Super Bowl titles but also by his contributions to the Giants organization and his role in elevating the franchise during his tenure.
Post-retirement, Manning has remained active in various capacities, including sports commentary and philanthropic efforts.
His impact on football continues to be felt, particularly within the Giants community, where he is celebrated as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Accolades
Manning’s career is highlighted by numerous accolades that reflect his exceptional performance and impact on the game of football.
He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, having led the New York Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, where he was named Super Bowl MVP both times.
This achievement places him among a select group of players who have received multiple Super Bowl MVP awards.
In addition to his Super Bowl successes, Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (2008, 2011, 2012, 2015), recognizing him as one of the league’s top quarterbacks during those seasons.
He also received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2016, which honors players for their excellence both on and off the field.
Manning is the all-time leader for the New York Giants in passing yards and touchdowns, cementing his legacy within the franchise.
His contributions to college football were also significant; during his time at Ole Miss, he won several prestigious awards, including the Maxwell Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
These accolades underscore his skill, leadership, and dedication throughout his career.
