On Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, the world saw one of the biggest names in sports play his last game ever. Eli Manning was drafted by San Diego but famously, under the guidance of his father, Archie Manning, refused to play for the Chargers organization. 

He was then traded to the New York Giants and established himself as Eli Manning and not the son of Archie or the brother of Peyton. 

Fast forward 16 years later to January 24, 2020, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of what Eli has done for the New York Football Giants and for the game of football. 

His career has been the epitome of class, sacrifice and professionalism. Even with all of his accomplishments on and off the field. It is ridiculous and almost laughable to think that there are those who legitimately believe that Eli doesn’t belong in the Football Hall of Fame. I say this because instead of appreciating his career, there are those who spent Eli’s 16 year career pointing out all of his shortcomings and mistakes. 

Comparing him to others is natural, but he was never trying to be Tom Brady or Drew Brees. He was trying to be Eli Manning, and that meant showing up everyday, working hard and being the best teammate and New York Giant he could be. Highlighting his negatives and shortcomings is toxic and almost disrespectful because it diminishes and belittles his career. 

For example, Eli is one of 12 quarterbacks to ever win more than one Super Bowl, and one of six to win the Super Bowl MVP more than once. During his two Super Bowl runs – against you know who – he threw for 15 touchdowns and two interceptions. 

In 2017, Eli was awarded the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given to an NFL player that has positively affected their community the most during that NFL season.

 Eli also never missed a game due to injury, and started 210 consecutive games. Finally, Eli is seventh all-time in passing yards with 56,537, and eighth all-time in passing touchdowns with 362. Every other quarterback to achieve those numbers are currently wearing golden jackets and have their names forever immortalized in Canton, Ohio. 

In comparison to other quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame, Joe Namath is a Hall of Fame quarterback with 173 touchdowns and 220 interceptions. Warren Moon had a win/loss record of 101-102. 

The point of bringing these players up is to not discredit their careers or their accomplishments. Instead, it is to highlight that the Hall of Fame is to commemorate and celebrate their contributions to the game. 

It is impossible to tell the complete story of the NFL without mentioning Eli Manning. Since the day he stepped into the league, he has garnered the respect of his teammates and opponents. 

“Wellington Mara always said, ‘Once a Giant, always a Giant. ‘For me, it’s only a Giant.” For me and many Giants fans across the world, Eli will forever be one of our greatest players, and we will forever be indebted to him for everything he has done for us.