New York Giants Pack 2021 Calendar With a Handful of Halftime Ceremonies Presentations celebrated a pair of franchise legends, 2011 Super Bowl-winning team By Kristian Hern ndez, Associate Editor Friday, January 7, 2022 - 11:32 am
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As one of the National Football League's oldest clubs, the New York Giants are steeped in history and tradition. From Hall of Famers like Y.A. Tittle, Frank Gifford, and Lawrence Taylor to franchise legends like Carl Banks and Phil Simms, some of the game's most notable names have donned the jersey of Big Blue. This year, the Giants reflected on their glorious past by retiring the jerseys of Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning and honoring the 10-year anniversary of the team's victory in Super Bowl XLVI.
Focus on the Past: Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, 2011 Team Are Honored Playing under center from 2004 to '19, Eli Manning has a special place in Giants fans' hearts and minds. Displaying calm during even tension-filled moments at the end of a game - he has the most game-winning drives in Giants history: 37 - and the gracious humility that any fan would want in their quarterback, Manning slowly became a symbol of both the organization and New York City. He also was a player who shared so much of his skill that some of his offensive teammates became legends themselves: notably, 2012 Pro Bowler Victor Cruz, the one-two running back combo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and tight end Jeremey Shockey, who has the third-most touchdowns at the position in the franchise's 96-year history.
Manning led the team to two championships in four years over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The first, Super Bowl XLII in 2008, is remembered for the improbable David Tyree Helmet Catch, a late-game touchdown by Plaxico Burress to seal the Patriots' fate, and the defeat of an opponent set to be only the second undefeated squad in league history. The second, Super Bowl XLVI in 2011, also required a late-game score; it was jumpstarted by Mario Manningham's tightrope, sideline catch.
The New York Giants retired Eli Manning's No. 10 and inducted him into the Ring of Honor on Sept. 26 vs. Atlanta.
Individually, Manning has a long list of accolades. He was named Super Bowl MVP twice, went to four Pro Bowls, and was the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year. He also set a pair of franchise records: most career passing yards at 57,023 and passing touchdowns at 366. Both statistics are good for ninth and 10th on the NFL's all-time list, respectively.
The Giants inducted him into the Ring of Honor and retired his No. 10 jersey during halftime of the team's game vs. the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 26. Months before the announcement was made, VP/Executive Producer Don Sperling and his staff put their ideas together for the ceremony. When the day came, the festivities included appearances by players and coaches throughout Manning's 16-year career, recorded messages from head coach Tom Coughlin and Strahan, and speeches by offensive lineman Shaun O'Hara and Giants President and Co-Owner John Mara.
Two months later, the team retired the number of one of the franchise's greatest defensive ends. Strahan, a larger-than-life personality himself, was at the core of the team's defensive front for 15 years. Disguising dogged determination and tenacity with a smile, he became a menace to opposing teams. Before hanging up his cleats in 2007 after the Super Bowl XLII victory, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a four-time member of the NFL First-Team, a two-time NFL sacks leader (the sixth-most in a career at 141.5, the most in a season with 22.5), and the 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
On Sunday, Nov. 28 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sperling and his colleagues produced yet another jersey retirement - the first time the team retired two numbers in the same season. Unable to make Manning's special day, Strahan took to the stage for a five-minute speech.
Michael Strahan's No. 92 was retired on Nov. 28 vs. Philadelphia.
Both former players are now on the path to media stardom: Strahan working on Good Morning and the NFL on Fox, Manning participating with his brother Peyton on ESPN's Monday Night Football ManningCast. He also hosts The Eli Manning Show on the franchise's YouTube and digital channels, which has featured a wide range of personalities, such as comedian Kevin Hart, NBA superstar Kevin Durant, and beloved actor Bill Murray.
In addition to the Manning and Strahan events, the organization honored the 2011 team on Oct. 17 vs. the Los Angeles Rams. The event was a huge reunion for players and team personnel and included an in-person retelling of the season's major events by Coughlin.
Retiring the numbers of two icons in one year took a lot to do, says Sperling. But getting to also celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our last Super Bowl made it extremely rewarding.
Other In-Venue Activations: 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Salute to Service, Marvel Theme If a trio of presentations wasn't enough, the in-venue staff was also tasked with other game-day initiatives. Before the home opener vs. the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 12, the Giants paid respect to the memory of those lost in the 9/11 attacks and the first responders. With MetLife Stadium only 11 miles northwest across the Hudson River from the World Trade Center, the day has special significance to Giants fans.
The franchise honored the 10-year anniversary of winning Super Bowl XLVI on Oct. 17 vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
In addition to this emotional day, the team did their part in showing appreciation to military veterans and active members of the U.S. armed forces during their Salute to Service game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday,
