An era of New York Giants football came to a close as Eli Manning decided to walk away rather than play anywhere else. Tributes have begun flowing in, and Larry Fitzgerald is the latest in a line of greats who paid tribute to the two-time Super Bowl champion.
The wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals congratulated the recently retired Manning on a successful career and wished him the best in the next chapter of his life.
Per Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith:
“Congratulations to one of the fiercest competitors the league has ever seen. Man of the Year, Super Bowl champion, philanthropist, and ambassador for the game,” Fitzgerald wrote. “The game won’t be the same without you my friend.”
Manning's retirement meant a lot for Fitzgerald because they entered the league during the 2004 NFL Draft. The two went on to have successful careers, though Larry Legend is unlikely to win a Super Bowl ring of his own by the time it's his turn to hang up his cleats. They also both won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2016.
Now that his career is in the books, the question now lies as to whether the younger Manning deserves to be in the Hall of Fame? His older brother, Peyton, is a first-ballot lock, but his achievements are underwhelming compared to his. Critics are very dubious about him making the cut.
However, you would hear a different story from Pro Bowlers who have played against the younger Manning: he should be allowed to the hallowed halls of Canton, Ohio.
“Men lie, women lie,” Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox Eagles told CNBC. “Numbers don’t.”
Manning spent sixteen years with the New York Giants. He notched 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler.
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