New York Giants -- Eli Manning, 2004-2019, 57,023 yards Syndication Northjersey
Giants' Legend Eli Manning Takes His Stance On Trading Super Bowl Rings With Wild Exchange 1
Eli Manning has never been the flashiest quarterback, and his career numbers have long fueled debates about his place among the all-time greats.
But he is a two times Super Bowls champion with New York Giants and he was asked about a situation in which he might had to give up his championships rings. But he is had his response ready.
Eli Manning chooses his side
During an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, Manning was asked whether he would trade his two Super Bowl championships for a 16 consecutive winning seasons.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning announces his retirement with the two Vince Lombardi trophies he won for the Giants on display during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in East Rutherford. Eli Manning Retirement
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning announces his retirement with the two Vince Lombardi trophies he won for the Giants on display during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in East Rutherford. Eli Manning Retirement
“That’s actually a pretty good question… it’d be nice to, yeah, I mean, double-digit wins. You’re making the playoffs most likely every single year. But you only win one championship. You’re, you know, I’m gonna take it. I’m gonna take the championship. Two rings,” Manning said.
The question hit hard because Manning’s actual career was the polar opposite of sustained regular-season excellence. He spent all 16 of his NFL seasons with the Giants (2004–2019) and finished with a perfectly even 117-117 regular-season record.
The Giants reached the playoffs only six times during his tenure, and outside of their two Super Bowl runs they failed to win a single postseason game.
Critics have long pointed to that .500 mark to question his Hall of Fame credentials. Yet those two championship runs define him. Both times the Giants entered as wild-card underdogs and knocked off the Tom Brady which was led by New England Patriots.
Eli Manning’s Two Super Bowl Wins
Eli Manning’s legacy rests on two underdog Super Bowl victories over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Both victories came as a wild-card team, both ended 17–14 and 21–17 respectively, and both earned Manning Super Bowl MVP honors.
Aug 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) meet on the field after the game Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Giants 28-20. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) meet on the field after the game Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Giants 28-20. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The first one came in 2008. The 18–0 Patriots were heavy favorites to finish a perfect season. The Giants, a wild-card team, trailed 14–10 late in the fourth quarter. Manning led an 83-yard game-winning drive capped by the iconic “Helmet Catch”, a 32-yard heave to David Tyree, who pinned the ball against his helmet while covered tightly.
Four plays later, Manning hit Plaxico Burress for a 13-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left. Manning finished 19-of-34 for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2012 , they won it again against the Patriots. Again as a wild-card team, the Giants trailed 17–15 late. Starting from their own 12, Manning launched a perfect 38-yard strike to Mario Manningham along the sideline (both feet in bounds).
The drive ended with Ahmad Bradshaw’s 6-yard touchdown run with 57 seconds remaining. Manning went 30-of-40 for 296 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
In both games Manning delivered under the brightest lights against the era’s dominant quarterback and coach. Ultimately his career ended with 57,023 passing yards, 366 touchdown passes, and 4,895 completions, being in the top 1o for each category.
More NFL News