Eli Manning’s distinguished professional career began in 2004 when he was drafted first overall by the San Diego Chargers and subsequently traded to the New York Giants, initiating a remarkable 16-season tenure. Prior to his NFL debut, Manning was a decorated collegiate athlete, earning the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2003. During his time with the Ole Miss Rebels from 1999 to 2003, he set numerous single-game, season, and career records, including 10,119 passing yards and 81 touchdown passes. His NFL career with the Giants was marked by exceptional durability, highlighted by a streak of 210 consecutive games started, ranking as the third-longest by an NFL quarterback.
Manning cemented his legacy by famously leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories against the New England Patriots dynasty. He secured his first championship at Super Bowl XLII in 2008, followed by a second at Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. For both historic wins, Manning was named Super Bowl MVP, an honor shared by only six other players in NFL history. Throughout his impactful career with the Giants, he established numerous franchise records, including most passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the team’s history.
He also began hosting ‘Eli’s Places’ on ESPN+, an episodic series exploring various facets of football. Demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sport, Manning was inducted into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. Most recently, in 2022, he expanded his professional footprint by becoming a part-owner of the NWSL’s NJ/NY Gotham FC.