Eli Manning is best known for his accomplishments with the New York Giants, but his impact has extended far beyond the football field.
Since entering the NFL, Manning has dedicated significant time and resources toward fighting childhood cancer through organizations like Tackle Kids Cancer and the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation. His work has focused on raising money for pediatric cancer research, supporting families and providing resources for children undergoing treatment.
Eli Manning Becomes Face of Tackle Kids Cancer
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In 2015, Manning became the first captain of Tackle Kids Cancer, a campaign created by Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health to raise money for pediatric cancer research and patient care programs. The organization works to fund research, improve treatment options, and support families affected by childhood cancer. Manning has remained involved by attending hospital visits, participating in fundraising events and helping bring awareness to the cause.
Through Tackle Kids Cancer, Manning launched Eli’s Challenge, an initiative that encourages schools, teams and community groups to raise money for pediatric cancer programs. The biggest part of the program is Manning’s personal contribution. He matches donations up to $200,000 annually, allowing community fundraisers to double their impact.
Raising Millions for Pediatric Cancer Research
Manning’s involvement with Tackle Kids Cancer has helped generate significant financial support for childhood cancer programs.
Since its launch in 2015, Tackle Kids Cancer has raised more than $26 million to support pediatric cancer research, treatment programs and family services. The money raised has helped fund research projects, clinical programs and resources for children receiving care at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health.
Supporting the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation CEO Keli Coughlin Joyce, left, and her father, former Jacksonville Jaguars coach Tom Coughlin,
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Manning has also continued supporting a cause close to his Giants career through former head coach Tom Coughlin. The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, founded in 1996, provides financial, emotional, and practical support to families dealing with childhood cancer.
The organization was created after Coughlin lost former Boston College player Jay McGillis, who passed away from leukemia in 1992. His battle with the disease inspired Coughlin to help raise awareness and support for families affected by cancer.
Since its creation, the Jay Fund has helped families by assisting with expenses such as transportation, housing, meals and other costs that come with a child’s cancer treatment. Manning and Coughlin have continued working together after their time with the Giants ended, using their relationship to support families battling childhood cancer.
A Commitment That Continued After Retirement
Manning retired from the NFL following the 2019 season, but his involvement with childhood cancer initiatives has continued. During his playing career, Manning regularly participated in NFL charitable programs, including My Cause My Cleats, where players promote causes important to them through custom cleats. Tackle Kids Cancer has continued highlighting Manning’s involvement with the organization after his playing career through fundraising efforts and community outreach.
After retirement, his focus has remained on fundraising, hospital visits, and supporting organizations that help children and families dealing with cancer.
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More Than a Football Legacy
Manning finished his Giants career as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in franchise history. He threw for 57,023 passing yards, 366 touchdowns, made four Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowl MVP awards, securing his place among the greatest players in Giants history. His work off the field tells a different story.
Through Tackle Kids Cancer, Eli’s Challenge and his support of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Manning has helped raise millions of dollars, supported pediatric cancer research and provided resources for families facing childhood cancer.
While his numbers and championships made him a Giants legend, his continued commitment to helping others shows what it truly means to represent the Giants organization.