By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's biggest nemesis is leaving the NFL.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who beat the Patriots in a pair of Super Bowls, will announce his retirement at a press conference on Friday. Many expected 2019 to be Manning's final season in the league, after the team took Daniel Jones 6th overall in last year's draft, and had him replace Manning as the starter early in the season.
Manning was the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. He was originally selected by the then-San Diego Chargers, but was traded to the Giants after making it known he would refuse to play for San Diego. He started 16 games 12 straight years, and in 13 of his 16 NFL seasons, all for the Giants.
When he becomes eligible, Manning will become one of the most contentious Hall of Fame candidates in recent memory. He leaves the game ranked 7th all-time in passing yards (59,271) and touchdowns (366), but 12th in interceptions (244), a category he led the league in three times during his career. His resume also includes 4 Pro Bowl nods (although no All-Pros) and 2 Super Bowl MVPs, winning both of his titles against the New England Patriots, including defeating the then-undefeated Pats in Super Bowl XLII. Manning's 117 career regular-season wins would tie him with Joe Montana for 6th most among current HOF QBs, but his .500 career record (117-117) would be only the second non-winning record from the modern era in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Joe Namath finished his career 62-63).
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth