Even with Geno Smith inexplicably starting a game over Eli Manning in December 2017, with the fan uproar and front office cowering, it was clear the Eli Manning Era was not over for the Giants. While there is much debate and hand-wringing over that decision, the Giants allowed a legend to essentially go out on his own terms (or close to it), which is an ending befitting legends.

When Daniel Jones gets the start later today, Eli Manning is officially the back-up now and a former Giant after the season. Sure, there may be an injury or other situation which could press Eli back into action this year, but make no mistake, we’ve seen the last of him as the Giants top quarterback.

With Eli Manning, the Giants have received not one but two epic Super Bowl victories. There have been countless other big moments not just in those runs but in other seasons as well.We all know the biggest moment will forever be Super Bowl XLII, but there were others.

There was also the pass to Manningham, and there were all of the come from behind victories. There were Giants wins and division titles. Through it all, Eli made good on the promise he had when the Giants traded to get him after he was selected first overall by the San Diego Chargers with the top pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

This is the end of an era for the future Hall of Famer, and yes with his winning two Super Bowl MVPs, he is a Hall of Famer. As a Giants fans, we all know it is time to move on from him to enter into the new era focused upon Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Still, that does not mean there isn’t an element of melancholy and sadness to see one of the greats in team and NFL history have his career effectively ended.

Soon enough, the melancholy will turn into excitement for Jones, and it will turn to warm memories of a great career which delivered two Super Bowls. At the end of the day, all that is left to say is, “Thank you, Eli.”