But I figured I would share mine anyway.
On 2 separate occasions my family and I were able to meet Eli at training camps and got his autograph. I know, that is no big deal because a lot of people did that. However, these interactions had truly deep impacts on my son (as well as myself of course). We were in awe of his poise, his leadership, his character. he honestly was a Giant among men to us. He was a role model to my son as he rose through the ranks as quarterback. He did everything he could to emulate the way Eli was as a man, a teammate and a player in general. He even changed his number to 10 after the first meeting. Sometimes, lost in the daily grind of a pro schedule so many people take for granted the little things that some men do that truly impact others. I will never forget meeting this man and I could never thank him enough for being the GIANT he truly is.....especially in the eyes of a little boy. Eli, I doubt you see this....but thank you so much from the very bottom of my heart for everything you have done! Enjoy your retirement, you have earned it! I will be there when you get enshrined in Canton, that's for sure. God Bless and thank you again!
Eli Manning is at the top of that list. We were so lucky he chose the Giants.
Fast forward 2 years, my brother and I were both getting married just a few weeks apart. My dad e-mailed the picture to Pat Hanlon and asked if he could get Eli to sign the picture, fully expecting to never hear back. Sure enough, a few weeks later, my dad gets the pictures returned, signed by Eli. It is one of my prized possessions and another example of the Giants organization and Eli being the epitome of class.
He turned, waved and smiled. He got my vote that day.
My daughter is now 21.
rush the presentation. We all got to take pictures ( which are in the archives of this site. Look under BBI award.
To me, what he did on the field was almost secondary to what he represented off it.