The New York Giants have been lucky enough to have one of the most durable quarterbacks in NFL history, Eli Manning, starting games the past 13 years.
Ever since he took over as the team’s starter during his rookie campaign, Manning has never once failed to make a start. To date, he’s started 199 games in a row during the regular season and 12 more during the playoffs.
Throughout his tenure as the starter, the Giants haven’t felt need to use any top draft currency on a quarterback. In fact, this past draft when they used a third-round pick on Davis Webb marked the biggest investment in the position via the draft since Manning was drafted in 2004.
The Giants have already made it clear they aren’t feeling any pressure about whether Webb is Manning’s successor. And now perhaps we know why. Co-owner John Mara gave an interview with WFAN Radio on Thursday and said he thinks Manning has “a lot of years left in him.”
Entering his 14th season, Manning is already 36 years old. However, being that he has never missed games due to injury and that his older brother, Peyton Manning, played until he was 39 and had been injured severely during his career, perhaps the Giants believe Eli Manning will play even longer.
The recent trend of quarterbacks playing into their 40s may well extend to Manning. He’s been remarkably resilient throughout his career. And if he can stay healthy a half-dozen more seasons or so, then maybe Big Blue can win another championship before he retires.