New York Giants: Eli Manning discusses uncertain future

The New York Giants and their fans may have seen the last of Eli Manning as he addressed his future with media personnel in the team locker room.

The 2019 season will, in all likelihood, mark the end of the Eli Manning era in New York Giants football history. The longest-tenured Giants star won his last start two weeks ago against the Miami Dolphins receiving a well-deserved standing ovation in front of the MetLife Stadium crowd.

Manning addressed the media at his locker for probably the final time as a member of the New York Giants. He spoke about his realistic options, and they don’t include being a back up again behind Daniel Jones.

"“Everything is an option,” Manning said. That’s the first decision whether I want to continue to play or not. Then go from there. I am going to think about it. Just dwell on it and talk to my family and figure out what’s best for me and us and what I want to do going forward.”"

"“No plans, just sit on it and hopefully have that answer on what I want to do and what my next steps are. I don’t want it to linger around, I want to try to make that as soon as possible. I’ll think upon it a bunch these next days and weeks and try to figure out what I want to do.”"

Manning has never missed a game due to injury and is celebrating his 39th birthday next week. Most quarterbacks have proven able to play well into their 40’s when given the opportunity. He is 117-117 in his career and will be in careful consideration for a spot at the pro football hall of fame in Canton, Ohio.

Manning is a two-time Super Bowl MVP orchestrating some of the greatest moments in Giants and NFL history. His 366 career touchdown passes rank him high amongst the league’s all-time leaders.

The younger brother of Peyton, Eli battled to carve out his own path with the Giants and NFL fans. He didn’t have the fun personality or electrifying performances every game, but he made things work when needed the most. Manning concluded the press conference with media reflecting on his time with the franchise.

"“Obviously, it’s kind of tough to know how you are going to feel on this day,” Manning said. “I think it takes a little time for it to truly sink in. I have so many fond memories and that’s the great thing about football. You can reflect on the good things and you can choose what to remember and what to forget. I’m going to choose to remember the wins and the fellowship here with my teammates and coaches from the past season and from the 15 seasons prior. Too many great memories and laughs and wins and celebrations to worry about the tough parts.”"

The Giants prepared for this eventual transition into a new era months ago but now are faced with it in reality.