Eli Manning spoke publicly on Wednesday for the first time since the New York Giants benched him in favor of Daniel Jones, and he had some very simple advice for the rookie in advance of his NFL debut.
When asked what he might tell Jones about being a starting quarterback in the NFL, Manning said the job is “simple” and you just have to throw the ball to the guys wearing the same jersey as you.
Eli Manning’s advice to Daniel Jones: “Throw it to the guy wearing the same jersey you are. Simple. pic.twitter.com/wOHfGWnt6w
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) September 18, 2019
Obviously, Manning was joking. And just because he isn’t willing to share the advice he gave to Jones publicly doesn’t mean he is unwilling to mentor the former Duke star. Manning knew the possibility of him being benched was imminent when the Giants traded up to draft Jones, so he can’t be shocked.
Not surprisingly, the two-time Super Bowl champion admitted he was disappointed with head coach Pat Shurmur’s decision. However, he would not get into whether he believes he has taken his last snap for the Giants.
Eli Manning was asked, “Is this the end of Eli Manning, or is this another phase?” Manning’s response: “I’m not dying and the season’s not over. There’s a lot to be positive about, a lot to be grateful for. I just have to accept my new role and make the best of it.”
— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) September 18, 2019
While he obviously would prefer to start, it doesn’t sound like Manning has any intention of playing for another team. The most likely scenario at the moment is him finishing out the season and retiring, though you never know what can happen in the course of a few months.
