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New York Giants: An Ode To Eli Manning

By Chris Schisler

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Eleven years ago on this day, Eli Manning became the franchise quarterback of the New York Giants. Drafted number one overall by the San Diego Chargers, he was traded to the Giants for a significant helping of draft picks and Phillip Rivers, who the Giants drafted just to trade for Manning.

Manning has become the greatest quarterback in the history of the New York Giants. The two-time Super Bowl MVP is quite possibly a future hall of famer. Manning’s number one claim to fame is his calm, stoic and unflappable demeanor in the big moments.

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Manning is far from perfect, and as humble as he is he would probably be the first one to admit that. Like any franchise quarterback he has had his ups and his downs. Through it all, Manning remained the centerpiece of the Giants franchise.

While Tom Brady of the New England Patriots has four Super Bowl wins, on two separate occasions, Manning has outgunned Brady in the Super Bowl. Manning made historically clutch plays in both Super Bowls.

In his first Super Bowl win he faced the undefeated Patriots. The Giants needed one final march down the field to do what nobody had done all season, defeat New England. On the infamous play, he rolled out of the pocket avoiding being sacked by three Patriots. He then launched a pass that David Tyree, miraculously pinned against his helmet.

Manning hit Plaxico Burress for the game winning touchdown. The undefeated Patriots had finally met their match. It was almost as if Manning and the Giants willed their hopes and dreams into being a reality. It was magic.

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In 2011, Manning and the Giants took down the Patriots once again. Just like the first time, Manning got one last drive to put the Lombardi trophy in the hands of the Mara family.

Manning made one of the most beautiful throws I have ever seen. He threw a beautiful bomb down the sideline to Mario Manningham who leapt up and secured the football. It was an iconic drive and that was the play that I remember most vividly.

You can say whatever you want about Manning. At the end of the day he is everything the Giants could have ever hoped for. Manning is an iron man. He shows up every game and does his best.

After years of hard hits to the ribs, after being booed relentlessly (many times at a home game), after everything Manning wasn’t fazed. There is nothing you can throw at Manning that will shake him.

So on this historic anniversary I encourage all of Giants Nation to give Manning a standing ovation. No matter what you think about him, you must appreciate how special the Manning era has been. Congratulations to number 10, you have a special place in all of our hearts.

Sincerely, Giants Nation.

Next: New York Giants: 5 Toughest Games Of 2015

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