After 16 years playing at an elite level in one of sports harshest markets, Eli Manning has announced his retirement. Manning, one of the NFLs premiere quarterbacks of his era, and brother of the legendary Peyton Manning, was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the first overall pick in 2004 in one of the best draft photos of all-time.

Just look at how ecstatic he was? Worry not, later that night he was traded to the city that never sleeps for Giants draftee Philip Rivers, whom they selected third overall.

His run as a Giant is legendary. He started 234 of his 236 games, throwing for 2,870 yards, 366 touchdowns (to 244 interceptions), 57,032 yards in just over 8,000 attempts for a 60.4% completion rate. Over his career, he was selected to 4 Pro Bowls and won the 2016 Walter Peyton Man of the Year award.

He played in 12 playoffs games and showed up most when it counted. He defeated the storied Patriots not once, but twice. In 2007, he led a 9-7 Giants team all the way. He was the Super Bowl MVP not once, but twice, in his career. Over his 12 playoff outings, he threw for 2815 yards, 18 TDs and an average of around 235 yards per game. It’s been a struggle for Manning and the Giants as of late, but at his peak he was one of the best quarterbacks the game has seen. His career passer rating is 84.1. Manning will likely find his way into Canton, inevitably soon.

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