7 Reasons Why the Giants Should Pay Eli Manning

Durability

Eli Manning has started every game for the Giants since November 21st, 2004. Think about that. What has been a constant in your life since 2004? For the Giants it has been Eli Manning.

He doesn’t look like a very tough guy. He seems to be physically akward and makes some real goofy faces when he gets hit or throws an interception but there is something inside of him that always gets up.

In 2009 Manning played with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Thats the foot he plants on every time he throws the ball. This is an injury that has ended may seasons and even a few careers. Not Eli’s though. He just kept on playing, right through the pain on his way to over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The greatest example of Manning’s toughness came in the 2011 NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. On that rainy day at Candlestick Park Manning took a beating from a relentless 49ers defense that got to Manning 20 times, sacking him  6 times.

Manning, despite a rough beating, put the Giants up mid way through the 4th quarter with a dart to Mario Manningham in the back of the end zone. That was one of the best game I have ever seen played by a quarterback. Not for the numbers or dominance or anything like that but the ability he showed to stay in the pocket despite getting hit over and over and over again. It showed some real character and real heart. Most quarterbacks walk away from that field and not many would question them. Not Eli Manning.

Next: Playoff Performances