One of the most underrated leaders in the NFL is Eli Manning. Manning has been the Giants starting quarterback since half way into the 2004 season. Since then he has seen everything the NFL can throw at you, including Super Bowl glory and losing season misery. Manning uses this experience to be a great leader for the Giants.
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The first thing you notice about Manning, other than his somewhat aloof demeanor is that he is poised under pressure. Manning can take hit after hit and he doesn’t get rattled. Manning stays focused and keeps throwing the football. Manning is known for his late game dramatics, the kind of situations that make good quarterbacks great. The two Super Bowl victories came down to Manning coming up with magical finishes.
The second thing you notice about Manning is that he doesn’t say the wrong thing. While the fairly introverted Manning doesn’t seek out the camera, he isn’t afraid to stand there and take responsibility when the Giants fall short. The media and fans can pile on Manning as if running for his life from pass rushers is his fault, and Manning stands there and says the right things. You’ll never hear Manning selling out one of his teammates in the media.
Finally it is important to understand that he is a field general in every sense of the word. With an incredible and ever-growing football intelligence, Manning calls the shots. His teammates listen to him, his receivers take his direction and develop chemistry with him.
At the line of scrimmage Manning gets the Giants in the best possible play with the whole playbook at his disposal. If Manning sees something at the line, he has complete control to take advantage of it. This is a right he has earned by being a prolific quarterback for years.
There is no doubt that the Giants quarterback leads this team. He leads by example. He is a team player who isn’t afraid of the burden being the leader entails. Some days sports radio is just people going off about Eli Manning and his faults. Manning doesn’t care. That’s what being the quarterback is all about. Manning is the Giants unquestioned leader and he excels at this role.
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