New York Giants: Why 2017 is make or break for Eli Manning

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is on the backend of his career… or is he?  We detail why 2017 could define the 12-year veteran’s career.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is at a big crossroads in his career.

The two-time Super Bowl Champion, and four-time Pro Bowler is at a point where youth is hard to come by. This season could potentially determine if Manning is still rising, or if he’s reached a plateau.

At 35 years old, Manning is not what experts would call a “spring chicken”. He has however found a way to be one of the NFL’s most consistent faces under center.

This season holds a big question for Manning about his future in the league.

Like it or not, and I’ve said this before, the NFL is a business. As good as a guy can be, and as much success he can bring to a franchise, he is only as good as his latest performance.

The Giants brought in Geno Smith, and drafted Davis Webb. They got a great return on investment for Manning, but now he’s on the brink of being old news.

Next: New York Yankees: Aaron Judge shouldn’t enter Home Run Derby

This year, he has to lead the Giants not only to a playoff run, but to the Super Bowl once again. If he does, he will be talked about for a long time after his career ends. If he doesn’t, his legend will go no farther than the years it lasted when it is all said and done.

In the words of Babe Ruth in the move The Sandlot, “Remember kid, there are heroes, and there are legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”

Manning, in and of himself, is a hero for the New York Giants. This season could be what helps him cross the threshold into becoming on of the League’s all-time best legends.