[Neil039]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28540028/eli-manning-retires-16-nfl-seasons

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is retiring after 16 seasons and two Super Bowl MVPs.

Manning, 39, steps away holding almost every passing record in team history and a pair of Super Bowl rings. His victories over the New England Patriots after the 2007 and '11 seasons are the most iconic moments from a legendary career. They will put him in the conversation for the Hall of Fame in five years, when he's eligible.

Manning is one of just five players in NFL history with at least two Super Bowl MVPs. He's in an elite club with Joe Montana, Bart Starr, Tom Brady and Terry Bradshaw.

Eli Manning retires ranked in the top 10 in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdown passes.

"For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field," John Mara, the team's president and chief executive officer, said Wednesday in a statement announcing Manning's retirement. "Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise's history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability. It meant something to Eli to be the Giants quarterback, and it meant even more to us. We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future."

The Giants will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. ET Friday, when Manning will address the media.

His decision to call it a career comes after a season in which Manning spent most of his time as the backup to rookie Daniel Jones. Manning made it clear after the season that being a backup wasn't much fun and there wasn't an interest in returning in a similar role, even if Mara left the door open for it to happen. Mara has also said it was possible Manning could return to the organization in another role if he decided to retire.

The Giants turned to Jones after Week 2 this season, and Manning started just four games, the lowest total since his rookie season. He won his final start as a Giant against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15 and received a proper send-off as he jogged off the field and into the arms of his wife and four children at MetLife Stadium.

[St. Loser Fan]