History of Eli Manning in Timeline
Eli Manning, hailing from the renowned Manning football family, dedicated 16 seasons of his professional career as a quarterback for the New York Giants. The youngest son of Archie Manning and younger brother of Peyton Manning, Eli's football journey began at the University of Mississippi, where he garnered prestigious awards such as the Maxwell and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards during his senior year. Initially drafted by the San Diego Chargers as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, he was subsequently traded to the Giants, where he would spend his entire professional career.
1963: Giants' High-Scoring Season
The Giants' 422 points in the 2005 season was their highest total since 1963.
1971: Ole Miss's Previous 10-Win Season
Eli Manning helped Ole Miss achieve their first 10-win season since 1971 in 2003.
January 3, 1981: Birth of Eli Manning
Eli Manning was born on January 3, 1981.
1983: Comparison to the 1983 Draft
The 2004 quarterback class is often compared to the 1983 draft, which featured John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino.
1993: Manning's First Pro Bowl Selection
In 1993, Eli Manning was named to his first Pro Bowl, making him the first Giants quarterback to earn the honor since Phil Simms in 1993. He also had games against the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, playing in freezing conditions during the latter game where he helped tie the score but lost ultimately.
2001: Manning Named Sigma Nu Athlete of the Year
Eli Manning was named Sigma Nu Athlete of the Year in 2001.
2002: Giants' Offensive Performance
In 2002, the Giants had a notable offensive performance, totaling 523 yards against the Seahawks in week 4, their most since 2002.
2003: Manning's Award-Winning Year
Eli Manning won several awards in 2003, including the Maxwell Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
2003: Manning's Successful Senior Season
In 2003, Eli Manning led Ole Miss to a 10-3 record and a Cotton Bowl victory.
2003: Chargers' Poor Record Leads to Draft Pick
The Chargers' 4-12 record in 2003 gave them the first pick in the 2004 draft.
November 21, 2004: Manning's First Start and Touchdown
On November 21, 2004, Eli Manning made his first NFL start and threw his first touchdown pass.
December 12, 2004: Manning Benched Against Ravens
Eli Manning was benched during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 12, 2004.
2004: Manning's Draft Day Drama
The Chargers drafted Eli Manning first overall in 2004, despite his reluctance to play for them.
2004: Manning Traded to the Giants
The Chargers traded Eli Manning to the New York Giants during the 2004 NFL Draft.
2004: A Quarterback-Rich Draft
The 2004 NFL draft saw 17 quarterbacks selected, including Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger.
2004: Context of Manning's Return
Manning's return to San Diego in 2005 was significant due to the events of the 2004 draft.
2004: End of 2013 Season
Manning ended the 2013 season with a career-high 27 interceptions, the most by a quarterback since 2005. The Giants finished 7-9, their first losing season since Manning's rookie year in 2004.
2004: Eli Manning Drafted
Eli Manning was drafted first overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2004 and then traded to the New York Giants.
2004: Manning's Career Start
Eli Manning began his career as the starting quarterback for the Giants in 2004.
September 25, 2005: Manning Returns to San Diego
On September 25, 2005, Eli Manning played against the Chargers in San Diego for the first time since being drafted.
2005: Draft Picks Involved in Manning Trade
The 2005 draft picks involved in the Manning trade were used to select Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding.
September 10, 2006: Manning Bowl I
The first "Manning Bowl" took place on September 10, 2006, with Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts defeating Eli Manning's New York Giants.
2007: Engagement
In 2007, Eli Manning proposed to Abby McGrew, whom he met at University of Mississippi.
2007: Eli Manning Launches Campaign for Children's Hospital
In 2007, Eli Manning began a five-year campaign to raise $2.5 million for the construction of "The Eli Manning Children's Clinics" at the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children.
April 19, 2008: Marriage
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew married in a private ceremony in San José del Cabo, Mexico on April 19, 2008.
2008: Manning Hosts Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic
Since 2008, Eli Manning has hosted the Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Golf Classic, which is the largest charity golf event in Westchester County, New York.
2008: Giants' 2008 Season Opening Games
The Giants started the 2008 season strong with wins against the Redskins, Rams, Bengals, and Seahawks. In the opener against the Redskins, Manning had a rushing touchdown and an interception in a 16-7 victory. Against the Rams, he threw three touchdowns in a 41-13 win. Against the Bengals, he led a comeback and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime for a 26-23 victory. In week 4 against the Seahawks, Manning threw for two touchdowns in a dominant 44-6 victory.
August 5, 2009: Contract Extension
On August 5, 2009, Eli Manning signed a six-year contract extension worth US$97.5 million.
2009: Pro Bowl Meetings
Eli and Peyton Manning faced each other in the Pro Bowl in 2009, with Eli's NFC team winning the game.
2009: Manning Family Authors Children's Book
In 2009, Eli, Peyton, and Archie Manning co-authored a children's book titled "Family Huddle," which depicts the brothers playing football in their youth.
2009: Late 2009 Season Losses and Apology
In 2009, after losses to the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, Manning apologized to fans for the team's poor performance, ending the season 8-8 and missing the playoffs.
2009: Early 2009 Season and Heel Injury
In 2009, the Giants began the season 3-0. In week 4 against the Chiefs, Manning injured his heel but still threw a 54-yard touchdown pass. He was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Despite the injury, he played in Week 5 against the Raiders, achieving a perfect passer rating for the first time in his career, leading the Giants to a 44-7 victory.
2009: Career Highs in 2009 Season
Manning ended the 2009 season with career highs in passing yards (4,021), touchdowns (27), completion percentage (62.3), and passer rating (93.1).
September 19, 2010: Manning Bowl II
The second "Manning Bowl" occurred on September 19, 2010, with Peyton Manning's Colts again victorious against Eli Manning and the Giants.
2010: 2010 Season Performance and Missed Playoffs
In 2010, the Giants had a fluctuating season, including a five-game winning streak. Manning set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns but also threw a league-high 25 interceptions. Despite a 10-6 record, they missed the playoffs due to the Packers win over the Bears. Key moments included an 85-yard touchdown pass to Manningham (a then career-high), followed by a 92-yard touchdown pass the next week, a new career-high.
2010: Manning Supports Deepwater Horizon Relief Efforts
Eli Manning contributed to fundraising efforts for awareness following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.
August 2011: Radio Interview Controversy
In August 2011, Manning sparked controversy during a radio interview when asked about his ranking among quarterbacks like Tom Brady.
2011: Playoff Berth After 2011 Season
Despite a loss in Week 16 of the 2016 season, the Giants secured their first playoff berth since winning the Super Bowl in 2011.
2011: Late 2011 Season Comeback and Playoff Berth
In 2011, after a mid-season slump, the Giants finished strong, securing a playoff berth with a win over the Cowboys. Manning tied an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz and set a new franchise record with three 400+ yard passing games. He earned a Pro Bowl nomination for his performance.
2011: Giants' 2011 Playoff Run
In 2011, the Giants entered the playoffs as underdogs but defeated the Falcons and Packers before winning the NFC Championship against the 49ers in overtime. Manning set franchise playoff records, securing a Super Bowl XLII rematch against the Patriots.
2011: Start of 2012 Season
The Giants began the 2011 season with a 6-2 record. Manning achieved a career-best 510 passing yards in a week 2 victory against the Buccaneers.
2011: 2011 Season Start and Redskins Game
The Giants started the 2011 season with a loss to the Redskins, followed by three victories, including one against the Eagles where Manning earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week. The Redskins game held emotional significance as it fell on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
May 5, 2012: Saturday Night Live Host
On May 5, 2012, Eli Manning hosted Saturday Night Live, following in the footsteps of his brother Peyton, who had hosted the show five years prior.
2012: Post-Super Bowl Honors and Recognition
Following their Super Bowl victory in 2012, Manning and the Giants were honored with a parade in Manhattan and given keys to the city. Manning was ranked 31st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.
2012: Giants Clinch Playoff Berth and Face Packers
The Giants defeated the Redskins in the final week of the 2016 season, securing a playoff spot. They then faced the Packers in the Wild Card round, where Manning's performance was hampered by dropped passes, leading to a loss. This was their first winning season since 2012.
2012: Mid-2012 Season Slump and Finish
During the middle of the 2012 season, Manning and the Giants struggled, with his performance dropping significantly. However, he finished strong with a career-high five touchdowns against the Eagles in the final game.
September 15, 2013: Manning Bowl III
On September 15, 2013, the third and final "Manning Bowl" took place, with Peyton Manning, then playing for the Denver Broncos, defeating Eli Manning's Giants.
2013: Pro Bowl Selection and Ranking
Despite missing the playoffs in 2012, Manning was selected for his third Pro Bowl and ranked 43rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
2013: Rough Start to 2013 Season and Final Meeting with Peyton
In 2013, Manning set a franchise record for passing yards in a season opener but also tied his career-high for interceptions in a single game. The Giants started 0-6, and Manning had his final professional game against his brother, Peyton, which resulted in a loss for Eli.
2014: Manning Sued Over Memorabilia
In 2014, Eli Manning was sued by sports memorabilia collectors who claimed he was involved in selling fake memorabilia.
2015: Career Highs and Pro Bowl Selection
Manning set career highs in several categories in 2015, including touchdowns, completions, attempts, and passer rating. He was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, tying the franchise record for a Giants quarterback.
January 22, 2016: Pro Bowl Selection
On January 22, 2016, Manning was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl, replacing Ben Roethlisberger.
2016: New Coach and Milestone Achievement
In 2016, under new coach Ben McAdoo, Manning reached a career total of 302 touchdown passes, surpassing John Elway for seventh all-time.
2016: Manning Participates in Charity Fundraiser
In 2016, Eli Manning took part in the 14th Annual BTIG Commissions for Charity Day, raising money for numerous charities.
February 4, 2017: Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
On February 4, 2017, Manning and Larry Fitzgerald were co-winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
2017: 2017 NFL Season
During the 2017 NFL season, Eli Manning and the Giants struggled, starting with five consecutive losses before a brief win against the Broncos. A three-game losing streak followed. Manning reached a career milestone, achieving 50,000 passing yards in Week 9. However, he was benched in Week 13, ending a 210-game starting streak. He returned as a starter after a coaching change, and despite strong performances in some games, the Giants finished the season with a 3-13 record.
2017: Manning's Consecutive Starts Streak Ends
Eli Manning's streak of 210 consecutive starts ended in 2017.
May 2018: Manning Settles Memorabilia Lawsuit
In May 2018, Eli Manning settled a lawsuit regarding allegations of selling fraudulent sports memorabilia under confidential terms.
2018: 2018 NFL Season
In the 2018 NFL season, Eli Manning and the Giants started with two losses but then secured a victory against the Texans. A five-game losing streak followed, during which Manning faced numerous sacks despite improved performance from rookie Saquon Barkley. The Giants recovered with a 4-4 record in the latter half of the season, finishing 5-11. Manning's season stats included 4,299 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
September 17, 2019: End of an Era
On September 17, 2019, the Giants announced that Eli Manning would be replaced by Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback for their Week 3 game, marking a significant turning point in Manning's career with the team.
2019: 2019 Pre-Season and Draft
In 2019, despite being in the final year of his contract, Eli Manning remained with the Giants. The team drafted quarterback Daniel Jones, widely seen as Manning's successor, creating uncertainty about Manning's future with the team. Despite this, both the general manager and head coach expressed their desire for Manning to remain the starting quarterback.
2019: End of Manning's Starting Role
In 2019, Eli Manning's time as the Giants' starting quarterback came to a close.
January 22, 2020: Retirement Announcement
On January 22, 2020, Eli Manning announced his retirement from professional football, with a formal press conference scheduled two days later. The Giants also announced plans to induct him into their Ring of Honor and retire his jersey number 10.
September 26, 2021: Ring of Honor and Jersey Retirement
On September 26, 2021, Eli Manning's jersey number 10 was officially retired by the New York Giants, and he was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony of a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
2021: The Eli Manning Show
Eli Manning started hosting "The Eli Manning Show" on the New York Giants' YouTube channel in 2021, featuring interviews with various celebrities.
2021: Manningcast and Eli's Places
In 2021, Eli and Peyton Manning joined ESPN as NFL analysts, launching the "Manningcast," an alternate broadcast featuring guest stars. Eli also began hosting "Eli's Places" on ESPN+, exploring college football history and traditions.
August 2022: Manning Joins Gotham FC Ownership Group
Eli Manning became part of the ownership group of NJ/NY Gotham FC, a National Women's Soccer League team, in August 2022.
2022: Arch Manning Breaks Eli's Record
Eli Manning's nephew, Arch, broke his high school passing record in 2022.
2022: Chad Powers and Penn State Tryouts
In 2022, Eli Manning, disguised as "Chad Powers," participated in Penn State University football tryouts for an ESPN project.
2025: Hall of Fame Eligibility
Eli Manning will become eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.