VIDEO: Watch Giants QB Eli Manning Announce His Retirement in Emotional Press Conference
By Michael Luciano
After forcing a trade away from the San Diego Chargers in 2004, Eli Manning's life has been all about helping the New York Giants win football games. His 16-year crusade to further that end has come to an end now that he announced he's retiring from football. At his Friday press conference, Manning could barely keep his emotions in check, as he almost choked up when talking about how the Mara family and the Giants organization have impacted his life as a football player.
“Wellington Mara always said: Once a Giant, always a Giant.
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) January 24, 2020
For me, it’s Only a Giant.” pic.twitter.com/kvRXpTua3A
It's hard to watch that as a Giants fan and not get emotional.
Manning might have more than 57,000 yards and 366 touchdowns to his name, but he'll always be known best for his two Super Bowl victories, both of which came against Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
Even amongst his future Hall of Fame contemporaries, Eli during his prime in the clutch was something else, as only TB12 and John Elway have more postseason game-winning drives.
Giants QB Eli Manning officially announces his retirement from the NFL.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 24, 2020
In the Super Bowl era, Manning is tied for the 3rd-most postseason game-winning drives in 4th quarter or OT. Only Tom Brady and John Elway have more. pic.twitter.com/vd1jBEsve7
The decision on the Hall of Fame will come in a few years, and it will be argued passionately until the day he gets in. What can't be argued, however, is the fact that Manning is the greatest quarterback in the history of the franchise and one of the best clutch performers the game has ever seen.