How Long Did Eli Manning Play In The NFL?

Eli Manning played in the NFL for 16 seasons, from 2004 to 2019. He won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, in 2008 and 2012.

Eli Manning’s NFL Career

Eli Manning played in the NFL for 16 seasons, all with the New York Giants. He was drafted in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft and went on to play in two Super Bowls, winning both. Manning was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2011.

Drafted by the San Diego Chargers

In 2004, Manning was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He did not want to play for the Chargers, however, and was traded to the New York Giants hours after being drafted.

Traded to the New York Giants

On April 24, 2004, the Chargers selected Manning with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. He was the third consecutive quarterback to be drafted first overall, after David Carr and Carson Palmer. Manning was traded to the New York Giants six days later in exchange for Phillip Rivers, who was drafted fourth overall by the Giants, a second-round pick in 2004 (Nate Kaeding) and a first-round pick in 2005 (Shawne Merriman).

Manning’s NFL debut

Eli Manning made his NFL debut against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 of the 2004 NFL season. Manning, the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, started the game for the New York Giants and completed 21-of-37 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 20-14 loss.

First NFL start

On November 21, 2004, Manning started his first NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons. Eli completed 20 of 41 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown, with one interception in a 14-10 loss.

Eli Manning’s Retirement

On January 22nd, 2020, Eli Manning announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons. Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2004, but was then traded to the New York Giants, where he spent the rest of his career. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and was named Super Bowl MVP twice.

Announcing his retirement

After 16 seasons, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is retiring from the NFL, the team announced Wednesday.

“For more than a decade, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field,” John Mara, the Giants’ president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of only eight quarterbacks in NFL history with multiple Super Bowl titles. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with class and dignity. We are proud to have called Eli Manning our quarterback for so many years.”

Manning, who turns 39 on Jan. 3, will have a news conference at 11 a.m. ET Thursday at the Giants’ facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

His legacy

After 16 seasons, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is retiring from the NFL.

The two-time Super Bowl champion announced his retirement on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, in a statement released by the team.

“For more than a decade, Eli Manning has been a flagship player for this franchise,” said John Mara, the Giants’ president and chief executive officer. “Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise’s history.”

Manning, who turns 40 in March, finishes his career with 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes. He was drafted by the Giants with the No. 1 overall pick in 2004 and spent his entire career with the team.

“It has been an incredible honor to spend my entire career with the New York Giants,” Manning said in a statement. “This is a sad day for all Giant fans, but I am grateful for what they have done for me and my family.”