Eli Manning returning to join Giants in new front office role
Eli Manning is back with the New York Giants.
The longtime quarterback is joining the team in a business operations and fan engagement role, the Giants announced on Monday.
.@EliManning on new chapter of his life and returning to the Giants organization in a new position
Full video ⤵️— New York Giants (@Giants) June 21, 2021
"For 16 seasons, Eli represented and defined what it meant to be a Giant and we are excited for him to join the business side of our front office," Giants president John Mara said in a statement. "Eli is one of the most beloved players in Giants history. We had a mutual interest in him returning to the organization and we're thrilled to welcome him back."
The team also revealed that they will retire Manning’s jersey and officially induct him into the Ring of Honor on Sept. 26, when the Giants host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.
"It's a great honor and just an unbelievable feeling," Manning said. "I don't know what the emotions will be that day. I know they'll be high, though. To have that feeling and that final goodbye, a true goodbye to the fans, and to thank them for supporting me during my 16 seasons here, it's going to be special. I think it's an opportunity for me to thank everybody here – teammates, coaches and the organization – for believing in me, for bringing me to New York and for giving me a chance to have success. It'll be an awesome day to be here and a great celebration."
Manning played for the Giants for his entire career from 2004-19. He was selected No. 1 overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2004, but was instantly traded to New York. Manning threw for more than 57,000 yards and 366 touchdowns during his 16 seasons with the Giants and led them to two Super Bowl wins. The four-time Pro Bowler also was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2016.
Manning, the team said, will help with business development, marketing and community relations initiatives in his new role. He will also help create original content with the organization, and is set to launch a new “lifestyle series” this fall.
"Staying involved with this organization is very important to me,” Manning said. “I love the organization, love the Giants and the fans, and so I want to do anything possible to help them out and be a part of it.
"I'm willing to do anything. But I'm focused on the business side with corporate partners and on community relations, which was always so important to me while I was playing here and is something I've placed a high priority on throughout my life. I'm looking forward to seeing where I can make the most impact in helping the Giants achieve their business and community goals."
More from Yahoo Sports:
