Eli Manning retires with two Super Bowls titles for Giants in 16 years

Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants holds the Super Bowl trophy during the Victory Parade along the Canyon of Heroes on the streets of Manhattan, New York City, February 7, 2012.

Two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning of the New York Giants decided to put an end to his American football career as he announced retirement on Wednesday.

"One of the best, most popular and most decorated players in Giants history, Manning, a two-time Super Bowl winner and most valuable player, will announce his retirement Friday, ending a 16-year career spent entirely with the team he joined in a draft-day trade in 2004," said the Giants in a statement.

As the younger brother of legendary Peyton Manning, Eli also had a fantastic career in the Giants and his greatest success must be his two victories over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl in 2007 and 2011.

Eli Manning (L), quarterback of the New York Giants comminucate with Tom Brady (R), quarterback of the New England Patriots after the game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, August 29, 2019. /AP Photo

Back in 2007, the Patriots were so close finishing a perfect season after 18 straight wins in both the regular season and the playoffs. Nonetheless, Eli Manning ruined the Patriots dream and he pocketed two Super Bowl MVP awards, becoming the fifth player in the NFL history to get at least two Super Bowl MVPs after Joe Montana, Bart Starr, Tom Brady, and Terry Bradshaw.

The other impressiveness of Eli Manning that made him different from most NFL players was that he never missed one single game in his career and he started 210 ones in a row in 16 years. However, aging caught up with him anyway. In the 2019 season, he only started four games and watched Daniel Jones take his role. After the regular season, Eli Manning said it's no fun playing off the bench.

Eli Manning of the New York Giants throws a pass in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 9 , 2019.

"For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field…He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability. It meant something to Eli to be the Giants quarterback, and it meant even more to us," said John Mara, the Giants' president and chief executive officer.

"We are proud to have called Eli Manning our quarterback for so many years. Eli was driven to always do what was best for the team… We are sincerely thankful for everything Eli has given our team and community. He will always be a Giant among Giants," said Steve Tisch, Giants chairman and executive vice president.