Eli Manning is back on the New York Giants — just not as a player.
The two-time Super Bowl MVP will join New York in a business and public relations role, the team announced in a video statement on Monday.
“I’m excited to team back up with the Giants and help out really in any way they need it,” Manning said. “Mostly it will be on the business side, with the sponsors and marketing and community service.”
As of yet there is no official title for Manning’s new position. His responsibilities will include marketing, business development and being involved with a lifestyle series debuting this fall.
“For 16 seasons, Eli represented and defined what it meant to be a Giant,” President and CEO John Mara said. “Eli is one of the most beloved players in Giants history. We had a mutual interest in him returning to the organization and we’re thrilled to welcome him back.”
Manning retired in January 2020 after 16 seasons and 117 wins with the Giants, both franchise records. The COVID-19 pandemic broke out just two months later, cutting off nearly all of his contact with the organization. He got involved in various activities to try and distract himself — coaching everything from basketball to softball — but both he and his wife soon realized that he could not stay away from the Giants for long.
He emphasized the deep connection he feels to the team, referring to its personnel and fans as “family.”
“You miss it,” Manning said. “You miss wanting to help this organization. This was my life. All I know is Giants football.”
The Giants will also induct Eli Manning into their Ring of Honor and retire his No. 10 jersey during a September 26 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, the team Manning made his first start against back in 2004. He will be the 43rd Ring of Honor member and the first inductee since 2016.
“It’s a great honor and just an unbelievable feeling,” Manning said. “I think it’s an opportunity for me to thank everybody here – teammates, coaches and the organization – for believing in me, for bringing me to New York and for giving me a chance to have success.”
Image courtesy of Steven Ryan/Getty Images
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