30 Little Known Facts About Fan Favorite Quarterback – Eli Manning

Eli Nelson Manning, the American Football Quarterback, for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL), holds the NFL record for most fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a season. Here are 30 fascinating facts about him:

1. Manning was born on January 03, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Olivia and Elisha Archibald Manning III. He is the youngest of three children to his parents.
2. He married Abby McGrew on April 19, 2008, in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. They are blessed with three daughters, Ava Francis, Lucy Thomas and Caroline Olivia.
3. He is the member of ‘Sigma Nu’ fraternity and he was named Sigma Nu Athlete of the year in 2001 and 2003.
4. Manning graduated from University of Mississippi in 2003 with degree in marketing. He was awarded the ‘Maxwell Award’ as the top national collegiate player and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award,’ as nations top quarterback.
5. He made headlines during the NFA Draft in 2004. He refused to play for San Diego Chargers, who had the rights for overall first pick. Chargers went ahead in picking him and traded for Philip River of New York Giants.
6. On September 25, 2005, during a game against Chargers at San Diego, he was greeted by hostile fans every time he touched the ball. Manning displayed most impressive performance of short career on that day, with 352 yards and two touch downs.
7. Manning was instrumental in Giants winning the 2005 NFC East, with 422 points and he finished fifth among top quarterback in the NFL in both passing and touchdowns.
8. With lackluster performance in 2006, Manning had an off-season practice with receiver Plaxico Burress and tight end Jeremy Shockey ahead of 2007 season. He was assigned with new quarterback coach Chris Palmer.
9. In a 2007 season opener against Dallas Cowboys, Manning injured his shoulder when he was hit by linebacker Anthony Spencer and was back in a weeks’ time. He has never missed a game at any level because of an injury.
10. Manning threw for only 59 yards but ran for Giants lone touchdown in their six straight victories on October 28, 2007. The game was played against Miami Dolphins in steady rain and mud at London’s Wembley Stadium.
11. After the loss to Dallas in November 2007, doubts were raised over Manning’s ability with 78.6 rating and ranked 20th in the NFL. Giant’s co-owner John Mara raised a question ‘can we win a championship with this guy, after he was called great, very special and a classic prospect’ at the time of signing-up.
12. Manning was voted the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of Super Bowl XL II, after Giants victory over Patriots. He along with his brother Peyton Manning is the only quarterback brothers to have played a Super Bowl game and to win the MVP award.
13. After the NFL’s Greatest Game, Manning and coaching staff spoke briefly with President George W. Bush. He was also presented with 2008 Cadillac model of Escalade Hybrid.
14. With 12-04 record Giants became 2008 NFC East champion and Manning was named to his first Pro Bowl. He is the first Giants quarterback to earn the honor since 1993.
15. On August 05, 2009, he extended his contract with New York Giants, worth $ 97.5 million for six years.
16. Manning was injured during 2010 pre-season game against New York Jets on August 16. He suffered 3” cut to the left side of head, which needed 12 stitches.
17. He had lackluster 2010 season with another 4002 yards and career high 31 touchdowns. The season also saw 25 interceptions, the most by a quarterback in the season with 62.5 completion percentage.
18. In August 2011, Manning was criticized in the sports circle for commenting that he was in the same class of three time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady. He was responding to Michael Kay during a radio interview.
19. The 2011-12 seasons was memorable for Manning with his Two-in-Two ‘Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLVI and also his second Super Bowl win. He led the Giants for a victory parade in Manhattan and was honored with symbolic key to the city.
20. Manning became the New York Giants all-time passing yardage leader in October 2013 in a game against Eagles. He surpassed Phil Simms with 33,694 passing yards during his 143rd consecutive starts.
21. He signed a four year contract extension with Giants,worth $ 84 million, few days before 2015 season. He was excited for he started his career with Giants and wanted to finish with them.
22. His 35 touchdowns in the 2015 season was the second best for the Giants, after Y.A Tittle’s 36 T.D in 1963, for the Giants and was ranked second best quarterback that year.
23. On February 04, 2017, Manning along with Larry Fitzgerald was awarded the ‘Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year,’ for his charity work and for on field excellence.
24. In 2006, the ESPN ran a commercial involving Manning family of Eli, Peyton and Cooper with their parents to promote their ‘Sports Centre Show.’The ad features Eli and Peyton engaged in horseplay, while John Anderson conducts the tour.
25. As part of charity work he has undertaken a five year commitment in 2007 to raise US$ 2.5 million for the construction of Eli Manning Children’s Clinic at the children’s hospital.
26. Manning and his brother Peyton Manning assisted in the wake of Hurricane Katrina by donating 14,000 kg of water, Gatorade, baby formula, Pumice and pillows to the people of New Orleans.
27. In 2009, he with his father and brother brought out a book ‘Family Huddle ‘on football. The book describes in simple text and picture how the brothers played the game in their youth.
28. Manning was a member of ‘President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports,’ which promotes, encourage and motivate Americans of all ages to become physically active.
29. Till date he holds five NFL records apart from eleven franchise records. He has won 19 awards during college days.
30. Manning is one of the top five players who make the most money from endorsements. He has endorsement deals with Reebok, Toyota, Direct TV, Kraft, Samsung and Citizen.
31. Eli Manning Net Worth: $100 million