Eli Manning ends football hiatus to throw with Larry Fitzgerald
It's hard to believe it's been over eight months since Eli Manning stood at the podium at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in front of friends, family, team employees, former teammates and coaches to officially retire from the NFL.
The legendary Giants quarterback did not pick up a football for a while after riding into the sunset. In fact, following the team's season finale against the Miami Dolphins on December 29th, Manning did not pick up a football for around seven months. It wasn't until an old friend called in the middle of July that the two-time Super Bowl MVP finally threw for the first time in a long time.
That friend? 11-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
"So, since December 29, I've thrown a football one time,'' Manning told Paul Schwartz of The Post. "One day, a buddy of mine asked if I would throw him some routes. He was in the area and I said I would do it just for him...
"Yeah, it was Larry Fitzgerald, he was in town and called me."
Manning and Fitzgerald have developed a close relationship since they both entered the league in 2004, Manning as the No. 1 overall pick and Fitzgerald as the No. 3. Both went on to have incredibly successful careers, all spent with the same franchise. Manning played 16 seasons with the Giants, leading the team to two Super Bowl championships, while the 37-year-old Fitzgerald is currently in his 17th season with the Arizona Cardinals.
The pair of future Hall of Famers met at a high school field in a New Jersey suburb, where they threw and ran about 40 routes.
"I think we both looked old,'' Manning joked. "It worked out. I can't throw it that far and Larry can't run that far. Pretty good timing, my deep ball and his 4.9 speed worked pretty well together.''
While this throwing session with Fitzgerald was the first and only time he's picked up a football since retiring, Manning has not abandoned sports altogether. The all-time Giants great told Schwartz that he has, at the recommendation of his wife Abby, begun to play tennis in his post-football life.
"I never played tennis in my life,'' Manning said. "I've hit a tennis ball, maybe picked it up and messing around but I've never played a competitive match of tennis before until two months ago...
"I'm not bad. I've beat some guys. I'm not a superstar. My technique's not there, but if you ask me to hit it over the net, yes, I can hit it over the net. Still trying to figure out topspin and certain shots and the serve and whatnot. I'm making improvements.''
Photos from the career of two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Eli Manning
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy while celebrating his team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Jake Ballard in the last minute of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots 24-20. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals touchdown during a week 17 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) and Brandon Jacobs celebrate after Manning threw the game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signals during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
In this Feb. 3, 2008, file photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after his 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts in front of Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, right, after throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) scores on a 14-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Eli Manning of the New York Giants, winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, poses backstage at the 6th annual NFL Honors at t the 6th annual NFL Honors at the Wortham Center on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, in Houston. (Photo by Peter Barreras/Invision for NFL/AP Images)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates a touchdown pass to tight end Martellus Bennett during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts in the closing minutes of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants won 21-17. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
FILE -- This is a Dec. 21, 2008, file photo showing New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrating after the Giants scored a touchdown to pull within two points of the Carolina Panthers, 28-26, late in their NFL football game, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants tied the game with a two point conversion and won in overtime, 34-28. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a Super Bowl parade in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is at left. Manning was the most valuable player as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 17-14, in Sunday's National Football League championship game. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts after the Giants scored a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter during of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts after throwing the game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy alongside Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, right, and Terry Bradshaw after the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates a touchdown pass with David Diehl (66) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) during a week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is greeted by members of the military before a week 13 regular season game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 1st, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants QB Eli Manning during week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX
New York Giants QB Eli Manning & RB Saquon Barkley during week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 1 regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday September 8th, 2019 in Arlington, Texas
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after his 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
FILE - In this Feb. 3, 2008 file photo, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning meet on he field before the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Brady has three Super Bowl rings, with another taken away by Manning and the Giants in 2008. Both have their teams on course for a reprise of that memorable title game. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) holds the Vince Lombardi on the podium against the New England Patriots during the trophy presentation of the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the team's NFL football Super Bowl parade in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. The Giants returned from their Super Bowl win to a celebration the likes that only New York can throw: a ticker-tape parade in the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway, where the city has honored stars for almost a century. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
This Dec. 15, 2019, file photo shows New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) leaving the field after defeating the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) carries his 11-month old daughter Ava Frances off the field after playing against the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb.5, 2012, in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants defeated the Patriots 21-17. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
This Dec. 15, 2019, file photo shows New York Giants fans holding signs for Giants quarterback Eli Manning after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
In this Feb. 5, 2012, file photo, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Giants' 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and linebacker Zak DeOssie wave to the fans during a victory celebration rally at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 9 regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Monday November 4th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates with former team mate Michael Strahan after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis
New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie, left, congratulates Giants quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, right, as defensive end Justin Tuck gets caught in the middle during a ceremony for the Super Bowl XLVI Championship Giants at City Hall in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signals during the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants Superbwl MVP quaterback Eli Manning walks on to the field at Met Life Stadium to celebrate winning Superbowl XLVI with the fans, Tuesday Feb. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
New York Giants quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning waves during a ceremony for the Super Bowl XLVI championship New York Giants at City Hall in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Justin Tuck, left, does his signature bow to quarterback Eli Manning, right, near the team's championship trophies during a victory celebration rally at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, center, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates with his coach Tom Coughlin, right, after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts in front of Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, right, after throwing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks during the first the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team's 21-17 win over New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and his coach Tom Coughlin look at the Vince Lombardi Trophy as they celebrate after the Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl XLII football game on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning answers questions during a news conference on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Giants are scheduled to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning releases a pass as New England Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) closes in during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) and Brandon Jacobs celebrate after Manning threw the game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants captains Chris Snee (76) Eli Manning (10) Chris Canty (99) Justin Tuck (91) and Eli Manning (10) receive instructions during the coin toss before the NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and Michael Strahan celebrate the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the trophy for Most Valuable Player during a news conference on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Phoenix. The Giants won the Super Bowl XLII football game by defeating the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) joins wide receiver David Tyree (85) in celebration after the Giants' 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates his 5-yard touchdown pass to David Tyree during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning reacts after throwing the game-winning touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Fans react as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy during a ceremony for the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI champions at City Hall in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during practice at the Giants' training camp at the University at Albany in Albany, N.Y., Friday, July 30, 2004. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the huddle on Sunday, November 6, 2005, in San Francisco, California. The Giants defeated the 49ers 24-6. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
This April 24, 2004, file photo shows New York Giants draft pick Eli Manning holding up his new Giants jersey as he poses with coach Tom Coughlin, left, and general manager Ernie Accorsi in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 escapes pressure and passes downfield against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning completed a miracle 32-yard pass to David Tyree on the play to set up their winning td. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning answers questions during media day for the Super Bowl XLII football game Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz,. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is surrounded by the media by his locker Monday, Jan. 21, 2008 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants will play in the Super Bowl football game against the New England Patriots. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning answers questions from the media during a press conference, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 in Chandler, Ariz. The Giants will play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII on Sunday, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning answers a question during media day for the Super Bowl XLII football game Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, in Glendale, Ariz,. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in action during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to hand the ball off during the first half of the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
New York Giants' Eli Manning celebrates after the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday Jan. 20, 2008 (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Eli Manning looks on during the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday Jan. 20, 2008 (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates with teammate Amani Toomer (81) after their team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates after his team's 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) walks off the field after the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play during the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin smiles as he stands in the locker room with players Michael Strahan, left, and Eli Manning, right, after their 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to throw a pass as he runs from Green Bay Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins (77) during the NFC Championship football game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after throwing a 7-yard touchdown pass to running back Brandon Jacobs against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, right, greets New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning before their NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning celebrates with defensive end Michael Strahan (92) after the NFC Championship football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. The Giants won 23-20 in overtime. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks downfield for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007. New York won 38-21. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, celebrates in the locker room with Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, left, after their 23-20 overtime win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship football game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, left, congratulates New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after the Giants defeated the Cowboys 21-17 in an NFC divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after throwing a fourth quarter touchdown pass during an NFL wild-card football playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Tampa, Fla.. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a 4th quarter touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday January 1, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, and head coach Tom Coughlin celebrate as officials confirm teammate Amani Toomer's fourth-quarter touchdown catch during a football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 in Chicago. The Giants defeated the Bears, 21-16. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning, left, with Plaxico Burress on the sidelines during their game against the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Fans yell for New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) as he leaves the field after they beat the Washington Redskins 24-17 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007 in Landover, Md.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs off the field after beating the Detroit Lions 16-10 in an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. The Giants are in a class by themselves in the NFC. They are not nearly as good as the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, both 9-1 and the only teams to beat them. They are, though, third best in a conference where only six of the 16 teams are playing above .500. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, throws a pass as lineman Grey Ruegamer holds off Washington Redskins defensive tackle Kedrick Golston, second from right, with Andre Carter, right, moving in during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006, in Landover, Md. The Giants won 34-28. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
Archie Manning, left, poses with his sons, Peyton Manning, Cooper Manning and Eli Manning as they arrive at the Barnstable Brown Derby party in Louisville, Ky., Friday, May 4, 2007. The 133rd Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 5. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Eli Manning, left, a quarterback from Mississippi, and Ben Roethlisberger, a quarterback from Miami of Ohio, are introduced prior to the start of the NFL draft Saturday, April 24, 2004 in New York. (AP Photo/John Marshall Mantel)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning is surrounded by reporters in the team's locker room at Giants stadium Monday, Nov. 27, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning listens during a press briefing, after his visit to Adolph S. Ochs School and Academy kicks to launch a combined NFL and American Heart Association exercise program for kids in New York Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006. The program, called "What Moves U," is designed to incorporate physical activity in classroom lessons, as physical education programs continue to decline across the country, according to organizers. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
Eli Manning, a quarterback from Mississippi, holds up a New York Giants jersey while standing next to his brother Peyton, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts at the NFL draft Saturday, April 24, 2004 in New York. Manning was the number one draft pick in the first round by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the Giants. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)
New York Giants fans cheer for quarterback Eli Manning during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Falcons beat the Giants, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Aug. 19, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Giants draft pick Eli Manning displays his new Giants jersey as he is introduced to Giants fans Saturday, April 24, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The San Diego Chargers chose Manning with the No. 1 pick overall and the Giants swapped their No. 4 pick, quarterback Philip Rivers, and draft picks for Manning. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Eli Manning, left, a quarterback from Mississippi, holds a New York Giants jersey as he stands with his father, Archie, at the NFL draft Saturday, April 24, 2004 in New York. Manning was the first pick of the 2004 draft by the San Diego Chargers and was later traded to the New York Giants. (AP Photo/John Marshall Mantel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes the ball during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday night, August 13, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Brothers Peyton, left, and Eli Manning have a good laugh on their dad Archie during a news conference in New York, Thursday, April 22, 2004. The question was who gets more nervous when they are playing football, the boys or their dad: former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning (AP Photo/Ed Bailey)
The crowd reacts as New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning leaves the field after beating the St. Louis Rams 44-24 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005. Manning threw for 296 yards and a career-high four touchdowns against the Rams. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
NFL athletes Eli Manning, right, and and Michael Strahan, left, accept the award for best game for the New York Giants victory in Super Bowl XLII from Terrell Owens, center, at the ESPYs Awards on Wednesday July 16, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 22: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants after the game against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The Giants defeated the 49ers in overtime20-17.(AP Photo/Tom Hauck)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) gets interviewed by Fox announcer Terry Bradshaw fafter winning the NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday January 22, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Eli Manning and Giants Chairman and Executive Vice President Steve Tisch look at the George Halas Trophy in the locker room after the Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime at the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, and guard David Diehl (66) celebrate in the locker room after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 overtime to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants' Eli Manning wears a Super Bowl hat after overtime of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Eli Manning, right, celebrates with teammate Hakeem Nicks after overtime of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
New York Giants' Eli Manning throws with San Francisco 49ers' Tarell Brown (25) and Aldon Smith (99) rushing during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning waves to spectators after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning waves to spectators after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 evades pressure against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning escaped pressure and completed a 32-yard miracle pass to David Tyree on the play, setting up the Giants winning TD. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Newman High School junior quarterback Eli Manning fades back to pass during a game against Warren Easton in New Orleans Sept. 12, 1997. Eli is the son of former Saints quarterback Archie, and brother to University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning. (AP Photo/David Rae Morris)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, chats with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan after their NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Falcons 24-2. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants' Eli Manning wears a Super Bowl hat in the locker room after overtime of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, in San Francisco. The Giants won 20-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants QB Eli Manning #10 evades pressure against the New England Patriots during the Super Bowl XLII football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Manning escaped pressure and completed a 32-yard miracle pass to David Tyree on the play, setting up the Giants winning TD. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
At the front of the float, from left, defensive end Michael Strahan, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, coach Tom Coughlin, and MVP quarterback Eli Manning show off the Vince Lombardi Trophy to a throng of fans as the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants receive a ticker tape parade in lower Manhattan through the "Canyon of Heroes" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning scrambles away from New England Patriots defenders on third-and-5 before launching a 32-yard pass to David Tyree with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter during the Super Bowl XLII football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. Tyree's reception set up the Giants final. The Giants won 17-14. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis
Eli Manning during Super Bowl 46 in Lucas Oli Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis
Eli Manning's last start
New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons 2011 Wild Card Game
New York Giants against the Philadelphia Eagles in a week 15 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday December 19, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Superbwl MVP quaterback Eli Manning walks on to the field at Met Life Stadium to celebrate winning Superbowl XLVI with the fans, Tuesday Feb. 7, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
New York Giants during a preseason football game against the New York Jets on August 24, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 15 football game against the Atlanta Flacons on December 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 15 football game against the Atlanta Flacons on December 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during NFL Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis (AP Photo/EvanPinkus)
Pittsburgh Steelers before a week 9 football game against the New York Giants on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Pittsburgh Steelers before a week 9 football game against the New York Giants on November 4, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) scores the game winning 77 yard touchdown during a week 7 NFC East football game against the Washington Redskins on October 21, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) scores the game winning 77 yard touchdown during a week 7 NFC East football game against the Washington Redskins on October 21, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 12 football game against the Green Bay Packers on November 25, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 17 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 30, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 2 football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday September 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 17 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 30, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end coach Michael Pope talks with quaterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday January 15, 2012 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons 2011 Wild Card Game
New York Giants during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday January 8, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday January 8, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday January 8, 2012 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning in action against the Dallas Cowboys at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford,New Jersey
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
Eli Manning's last away game start
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
New York Giants during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Eli Manning's last start as Giants QB
New York Giants during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 10 football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 11, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 12 football game against the Green Bay Packers on November 25, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 10 football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 11, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 10 football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 11, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants during a week 5 football game against the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey(AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants Eli Manning in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants beat the Bucs 17-3 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . The Giants beat the Bucs 17-3 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . The Giants beat the Bucs 17-3 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
