Eli Manning officially announced his retirement on Friday in typical Eli Fashion. He choked up a bit but didn't shed a tear, was matter-of-fact about the end of his career, and thanked everyone who helped him along the way.
"I'll miss hearing the first roar of the crowd, triggering the knowledge that we have been given one more opportunity to go win a football game," Manning said. "It's impossible to explain the satisfaction -- actually the joy -- I've experienced being a Giant. From the very first moment, I did it my way. I couldn't be someone other than who I am."
After a retirement speech that was about six minutes long, and finished strong -- "Wellington Mara always said, 'Once a Giant, always a Giant.' But for me, it's only a Giant." -- Manning took questions from reporters on hand. Here are the takeaways...
Eli and his family will be staying in the New York area
Toward the end of his speech, Manning talked about his charitable efforts, slipping in a line that since they're staying around the area, they'll be able to continue those efforts. Manning added that while he may not be a true New Yorker -- having been raised in Louisiana -- he's a true Northeasterner.
On why he chose to retire as a Giant instead of pursuing other opportunities
"I think it was important for me to go out as a Giant. I think when you get drafted and you come to an organization, I think that's your only goal -- to stay with one organization your entire career. As you get toward the end of it, it doesn't always work that way. ... I think it was important -- the fans, this organization, this family with the Giants have been so remarkable -- I think it was the right thing to call it a career and to end it instead of trying to uproot my family and leave and try somewhere else. This was the right decision."
On potentially being part of the organization in the future
"I think it would definitely be something I'd be interested in. I just have to discuss that and talk to Mr. Mara and see in what way. And I gotta think about and see in what way. I'll take some time and just figure out how I want to spend these next years."
What does the future hold for Daniel Jones?
"I know Daniel. I appreciate a lot of things about him and the fact that he loves the game of football. He is passionate about it, he works extremely hard. And so you appreciate at those things. If that weren't the case it might have been harder to go through this situation. But you see the way he conducts himself. I think he's got a bright future ahead of him and so do the Giants."
On what he learned from Derek Jeter
"I'm just trying to figure out which one of y'all didn't vote for him," Manning deadpanned about the recent Hall of Fame results before talking about his relationship with Jeter.
"Derek was great. He called me my rookie year when we were starting, lost a few games. He just talked to me that it would get easier, stay the course, be yourself, and just keep working. Things do improve. So we've had a good relationship over the years. ... after that it was someone who I watched closely on how he conducted himself, how he dealt with the media, how he dealt with fans, how he worked hard, how he stayed humble in all those circumstances. ... I took a lot of notes from how he handled New York. He's been a great role model for me all these years."