Eli Manning retires after 16 seasons with Giants

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning announced his retirement Wednesday after 16 seasons.

Manning walks away from the NFL ranked seventh all time in passing yards (57,023) and passing touchdowns (366) and 10th all time in game-winning drives (37). He won two Super Bowls with the Giants (XLII and XLVI) and was named MVP of both games.

"For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field," Giants president and CEO John Mara said in a news release. "Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise's history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability. It meant something to Eli to be the Giants quarterback, and it meant even more to us. We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future."

Manning, who turned 39 on Jan. 3., spent most of the 2019 season on the bench after losing the starting job to rookie Daniel Jones. He said at the end of the year that he had no interest in playing a backup role in the future.

The first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss, Manning never missed a game due to injury. He made four Pro Bowls and was named Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2016.

"We are proud to have called Eli Manning our quarterback for so many years," said Giants chairman and executive vice president Steve Tisch. "Eli was driven to always do what was best for the team. Eli leaves a timeless legacy with two Super Bowl titles on the field and his philanthropic work off the field, which has inspired and impacted so many people. We are sincerely thankful for everything Eli has given our team and community. He will always be a Giant among Giants."