Eli Manning

Two-time Super Bowl MVP and Giants legend

Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning family, he is the youngest son of Archie, younger brother of Cooper and Peyton, and uncle of Arch. Manning played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels, winning the Maxwell and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards in 2003. He was selected first overall in the 2004 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the Giants during the draft.

Quick Facts

Position: Quarterback
Born: 3 January 1981
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
High school: Isidore Newman (New Orleans)
College: Ole Miss (1999–2003)
Draft year: 2004
Draft round: 1
Former teams: New York Giants (2004, 2019)

Lore & Background

Manning's greatest professional success was twice leading the Giants to underdog Super Bowl victories against the New England Patriots dynasty in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. The former, which saw the wild card Giants defeat a Patriots team that was the first to win all 16 regular season games, is regarded as one of the greatest sports upsets of all time. Manning was named Super Bowl MVP in both championships, making him one of six players to receive the award multiple times. As the Giants starting quarterback from 2004 to 2019, Manning holds the franchise records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. Never missing a game due to injury, he started 210 consecutive games from 2004 to 2017, the third-longest consecutive starts streak by an NFL quarterback. Manning ranks 11th all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns. He is the only eligible quarterback with multiple Super Bowl MVP awards to not be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Reader's Guide

Manning was born in New Orleans, the youngest of three boys to Olivia (née Williams) and NFL quarterback Elisha Archibald "Archie" Manning III, both natives of Mississippi. His older brothers, Cooper and Peyton, both played football growing up. Manning attended high school at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, where he played football and basketball for the Greenies. In his high school career, Manning was a three-time All-State selection from 1996 to 1998, was named the USA Today Player of the Year in Louisiana, and passed for a school-record 7,389 yards and 89 touchdowns. His passing mark was later broken by his nephew Arch in 2022. Eli committed to play college football at the University of Mississippi. Manning entered college in the shadow of his brother Peyton, quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts, and his father, who was considered a legend and folk hero at Ole Miss. During his years with the Rebels, Manning set or tied numerous single-game, season and career records. His career numbers include 10,119 passing yards (fifth on the SEC career list), 81 touchdown passes (third on the SEC career list), and a passer rating of 137.7 (tied for sixth on the SEC career list). As a redshirt freshman, Manning competed with veteran Romaro Miller for the starting quarterback position and saw little playing time. He appeared in six games and passed for 170 total yards and one interception in the Rebels 7–5 season. With the departure of Miller, Manning became the Rebels' starting quarterback as a sophomore. In the first game, against Murray State, he converted 20-of-23 pass attempts for 271 yards and five passing touchdowns in the 49–14 victory. In the following game, a 27–21 loss to Auburn, he had 265 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one interception. Over the next few games, Manning helped lead the Rebels to victories over Kentucky, Alabama and LSU. On November 3, in a 58–56 7OT loss to Arkansas, Manning passed for 312 passing yards and six passing touchdowns. The game marked the longest game in major college football history at the time. Overall, Manning had a solid first year as the Rebels' starting quarterback with 2,948 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, as the Rebels finished with a 7–4 record. Manning's junior season started out promising with a 31–3 victory over Louisiana-Monroe and a 38–16 victory over Memphis.

The Draft Day Trade and College Dominance

Manning played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels, where he set or tied numerous records. His career totals included 10,119 passing yards (fifth on the SEC list) and 81 touchdown passes (third on the SEC list). In his sophomore season of 2001, he threw for 2,948 yards and 31 touchdowns, highlighted by a six-touchdown performance in a seven-overtime loss to Arkansas. His junior year saw 3,401 passing yards as he led the team to an Independence Bowl victory over Nebraska. As a senior in 2003, he won the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting behind Jason White and Larry Fitzgerald. In the NFL draft, the San Diego Chargers selected him first overall but immediately traded him to the Giants for Philip Rivers, Nate Kaeding, and future picks.

The Dynasty Breaker: Super Bowl XLII and XLVI

Manning's greatest success was leading the New York Giants to underdog victories against the New England Patriots in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. In Super Bowl XLII, the wild card Giants defeated a Patriots team that had won all 16 regular-season games, a feat regarded as one of the greatest sports upsets of all time. Manning was named the MVP for both championships, joining a select group of six players to receive the award multiple times. These victories broke the Patriots' dynastic grip on the league and defined his career more than any statistical accumulation.

Unmatched Durability and Franchise Records

Starting from 2004 through 2019, Manning never missed a game due to injury, starting 210 consecutive games from 2004 to 2017. This streak is the third-longest by an NFL quarterback. He holds the New York Giants franchise records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. Across his career, he ranks 11th all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns. Notably, he is the only eligible quarterback with multiple Super Bowl MVP awards who has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Manning Dynasty and Family Legacy

Born in New Orleans to Olivia Williams and Archie Manning, Eli is the youngest of three sons, older brothers being Cooper and Peyton. He attended Isidore Newman School, where he set a school record with 7,389 passing yards and 89 touchdowns before his nephew Arch broke the mark in 2022. A member of the Sigma Nu fraternity like his father, Manning graduated from the University of Mississippi with a marketing degree and a 3.44 GPA. He was named the Sigma Nu Athlete of the Year in 2001 and 2003.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eli Manning?

Eli Manning served as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants from his selection in 2004 through the 2019 season. He is widely recognized as one of the franchise's greatest leaders, known for guiding the team to multiple championship victories during his tenure.

What individual accolades did Eli Manning receive?

Throughout his time in the league, he received six Pro Bowl selections as a recognition of his consistent performance among the league's best players. These accolades complement his championship rings and highlight a career built on reliability rather than just statistical volume.