Two-time Super Bowl MVP and Giants legend Eli Manning has been busy since retiring from the NFL.
Well, he can now add minority owner of a professional sports team to his growing list of post-playing achievements.
Manning became the newest minority owner of NJ/NY Gotham FC, a professional women's soccer club based in Harrison, New Jersey, the team announced Wednesday morning.
"I have lived and worked in this community for almost two decades," said Manning. "It's home to me, and Gotham FC is my family's favorite soccer club. Combine that with the organization's strong leadership, talented roster, and sustained growth, and it became clear that joining this great group was a fantastic opportunity."
Along with Manning, Giants Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Pete Guelli also joined the ownership group.
"I've spent my career developing and elevating sports brands, and I'm confident Gotham FC is on the verge of becoming a pillar of the New Jersey and New York sports market," Guelli stated. "This club has assembled talented and dedicated ownership group, and I look forward to offering my perspective as we work together to build something special."
Gotham FC plays its NWSL home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. The club was founded in 2007 as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues, and has been part of the NWSL since its inception in 2012. In April of 2021, Sky Blue FC changed its name and branding to NJ/NY Gotham FC.
"Eli is known for the positive and influential impact he has on our communities," said Gotham FC Chair Tammy Murphy. "His legendary work-ethic, drive for success, and passion for giving back to the community will be tremendous assets for our club. Pete brings a depth of sports acumen that will bolster all we are working to achieve. It's my honor to welcome them both to the Gotham FC family."
"My family has always believed that sports is an excellent way to instill values and promote healthy development for young people," Manning added. "Sports teaches so much about teamwork, and work ethic, and they help build confidence. And as a dad, I want to make sure that my daughters have all the athletic opportunities that I was blessed with, and that's why I'm happy to announce that I am the newest owner of Gotham FC, New York and New Jersey's very own National Women's Soccer League team. We're driving what happens next in the world's game with some of the greatest athletes in the game, and I can't imagine what's more exciting than being a part of that."
