New York Giants: Eli Manning Face Of New York Sports?
Baseball season is about to begin and for the first time, Derek Jeter will not take the field with the New York Yankees. Jeter was often referred to as the face of New York sports. Now that he is gone, there is going to be an open competition in the Tri-State area. Who can take Jeter’s crown? I believe Eli Manning is the front-runner to win this contest.
Jeter has shown that he was capable of being a role model for younger fans, a leader, and champion all at the same time. If you think about it, Manning is the only athlete in New York that qualifies for the role.
Manning has won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants in a highly exciting fashion, has shown that he is capable of being a leader, and is great with fans of all ages.
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Manning is very much like Jeter because both never let the New York media affect them. New York is one of the hardest places to play in any sport. You’re always expected to win and if you don’t, fans start calling for your head.
Even when they were under heavy fire for having down years with their respective teams, Manning and Jeter always kept a balance.
In addition to all of this, Manning developed a huge following in New York. His supporters never leave his side, no matter what. Manning fans are some of the most loyal fans in the league. To develop such a following, Manning has to be doing something right.
Even though Manning is the front-runner to claim Jeter’s crown, he is going to receive a lot of competition from up and coming stars in New York. Athletes like Henrik Lundqvist, Matt Harvey, David Wright and Carmelo Anthony can all give Manning come viable competition.
Lundqivst and the New York Rangers are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup at the moment and a win this year would put him right up there will Manning. The Rangers haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1994.
The same goes for the New York Mets. If Harvey leads the Mets to a Cinderella story year, he is going to gain a huge following. Carmelo Anthony is one of the biggest names in the NBA, but has fallen off the face of the planet along with the New York Knicks. It’s going to take him some time to help regain pride for the New York Knicks, so he is on the back burner for now.
The New York Yankees and the New York Jets really don’t have franchise players to step into this major role. They are lacking the “it” factor at this time. That could all change if one or two players step up, but right now that doesn’t seem likely.
What do you think Giants Nation? Is Eli Manning the face of New York Sports? Vote and comment below!