Eli Manning was drafted number one overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft. The New York Giants subsequently drafted Phillip Rivers and the two teams swapped rookie quarterbacks. The Chargers got three draft picks from the trade, each pick ending up being a starter. All was good in the Big Apple however because the Giants got their guy.
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Manning came into the NFL sitting on the bench. Kurt Warner was supposed to give Manning some time to develop before he was called upon. Warner’s time with the Giants however was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Manning took the starting job in the second half of the season and he never looked back.
His rookie season was a rocky beginning to his legendary career. In nine games Manning threw 9 interceptions and had a completed less than half of his passes. The Giants knew that they needed to be patient with their quarterback of the future.
Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2005 season Manning put up some impressive numbers. He threw for 3,762 yards with 25 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. The Giants went to the playoffs with an 11-5 record but were embarrassed in the first round of the playoffs.
The Carolina Panthers beat the Giants 23-0. This was a disappointing end to the Giants impressive season that made them NFC East champions. That being said the Giants knew that the best was yet to come from the Manning era.
In 2007 the Giants squeaked into the postseason and magic happened. The Giants were supposed to get stomped by the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. The Giants had other ideas. In a closely fought game, Manning provided the game winning dramatics.
Manning rolled out of the pocket, fighting off the game killing quarterback sack. He heaved up a prayer, and David Tyree caught it in the most miraculous fashion. Tyree pinned the football against his helmet and prevented the football from touching the ground. Manning then hit Plaxico Burress on a Sluggo route for the game winning touchdown.
Manning would face the Patriots in the Super Bowl again in 2011. Just like the first time, Manning had to provide the clutch performance to get the Giants over the hump. Manning’s legacy is all about these moments when he stepped up and saved the day for the team.
Manning is a two-time Super Bowl MVP who has thrown for 39,755 yards in the NFL. He has always had trouble keeping his interception totals down, having three seasons with 20 or more picks and 185 in his career. Luckily for the Giants, Manning is also exceptional at finding the end zone. Manning has 259 career touchdown passes.
Manning is the greatest quarterback in the history of the Giants franchise. He is a legend but his career is far from over. Manning is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 2014 he threw for 4,410 yards and 30 touchdown passes.
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