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Reaction to the decision that Eli Manning would, for the first time since 2004, not be the New York Giants starting quarterback this Sunday when the Giants face the Oakland Raiders has come thundering in from all quarters.
Former players, current players, media members, and fans have all voiced their displeasure with the decision.
We’ll start with the Giants’ all-time touchdown leader and one of their most out-spoken players, Brandon Jacobs.
Eli Manning you’re always gonna be my QB. 2X Super Bowl MVP you can’t make that shit up bro.
— Brandon Jacobs (@gatorboyrb) November 28, 2017
Former Giant Shaun O’Hara took Ben McAdoo and Jerry Reese to task:
And more Shaun O'Hara: "I’ve been sick, I’ve been angry. I’ve also been relieved because now Eli doesn’t have to go out there and try to win games with that shoddy roster and the people around him. ... Eli definitely deserved better than this." https://t.co/HcKoapqCuC
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) November 29, 2017
More from Shaun O'Hara on @NFLNetwork: "Ben McAdoo wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for Eli. Eli is the one that vouched for him when they ushered Tom Coughlin out the door. Jerry Reese wouldn’t have a job or two rings if it wasn’t for Eli and what he did in those Super Bowls." https://t.co/XfQIfrRHjU
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) November 29, 2017
The last quarterback to start a game for the Giants not named Eli Manning, Kurt Warner, pulled no punches with regards to the development.
Kurt Warner on benching Eli Manning: "Shame on the Giants."
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) November 28, 2017
On the NFL Network, Warner said that if he was in Manning’s shoes, he would ask for a trade.
.@Kurt13Warner: "It's a bit of a slap in the face" for the Giants to bench Eli Manning.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 28, 2017
MORE:
: #UpToTheMinute pic.twitter.com/fdmh9Ul6wt
Ah ELI Manning that is...kick your feet up till the offseason...then go to @Jaguars next season...Defense Running backs... #TomCoughlin
— Ike Taylor (@Ike_SwagginU) November 28, 2017
Meanwhile, Eli’s long-time backup quarterback, David Carr, echoed Warner’s sentiments.
They’ve lost their collective minds. https://t.co/4ZhSRhe4KG
— David Carr (@DCarr8) November 28, 2017
Other former Giants’ players were equally upset by the announcement.
Starting with two legends of the franchise, Carl Banks and Phil Simms.
"If this is the end of Eli Manning with the Giants, he deserved a hell of a lot better. I would be completely disappointed if this is how they wanted to handle the end of Eli in NY"
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) November 28, 2017
Former @Giants LB @CarlBanksGIII pic.twitter.com/aFct8nyGSw
Giants’ great Carl Banks was probably the most emotional I, personally, have ever seen him.
I am very emotional about this Eli SHIT.. The guy who gave you EVERYTHING for better or worse NEVER missing a game and THIS how it ends?? Not #10! He deserves better, He gave is all when BETTER wasn't there for him.. and this is how it ends?? I hurt for him
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) November 28, 2017
I will say it again... He deserves better, and yet he gave his all when Better wasn't available..REMEMBER THIS.. He Didn't QUIT on his TEAM a single damn Play!! let that sink in.. HE NEVER QUIT A SINGLE PLAY!!!
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) November 28, 2017
I'm gonna say this and Im done..
— Carl Banks (@CarlBanksGIII) November 28, 2017
ELI MANNING DID NOT QUIT ON HIS TEAM, HE DIDN'T TAKE THE EASY WAY OUT, AND NEVER BITCHED ABOUT WHAT WAS GIVEN HIM.. HE SHOWED UP WHEN MANY OF THESE SO CALLED PROS QUIT ON HIM.. AND THIS IS HOW IT ENDS? FUCK!!!!!!!!
The Giants’ last great quarterback had this to say:
Being a former #NFL quarterback and knowing that experience, it’s unbelievable a guy could play 15 years and never miss a start #EliManning @Giants
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) November 28, 2017
- #EliManning has been a great example to quarterbacks on how to handle yourself with media, fans and on the field @Giants
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) November 28, 2017
I know what the Mara family and the Tisch family think of #EliManning. Wellington Mara would be so proud that #Eli was his quarterback for 15yrs for his success on the field and manners off the field.
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) November 28, 2017
- #EliManning can stand tall and proud and will for the rest of his life for all he has been to @Giants —Fans will never forget him #GiantsPride
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) November 28, 2017
Eli’s long-time teammates were stunned by the decision as well.
The ambrosia of emotions right now!! Didn't think the @Giants season could get any worse now THIS!!
— Shaun O'Hara (@ShaunOHara60) November 28, 2017
I'm absolutely speechless. I've watched every game & have sat through this rough @Giants season & this what you do to a man who has lead this team for 210 straight games
— David Diehl (@davediehl66) November 28, 2017
Eli deserves much better than that. Much better. Class person, class player. That’s absurd
— Osi Umenyiora (@OsiUmenyiora) November 28, 2017
I’m honestly at a lost for words. As a person that has seen Eli the QB but also Eli the Man, I’m truly pissed about what has taking place today. This decision is one of the STUPIDEST I’ve seen in my time being asap with pro sports #noloyalty #14years #bullshit
— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuck) November 28, 2017
Osi’s fellow defensive end, Dave Tollefson, was skeptical about what the Giants could learn from benching Manning.
It’s a big deal. They know what Webb and Geno are. We all knew what Aaron was before he played. The way this season has gone for the Giants, if Webb was the answer he would have played already. https://t.co/xoSM4eHBiw
— David Tollefson (@DTollefson71) November 28, 2017
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO https://t.co/vWxgHfdyDr
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 28, 2017
Credit Eli for this tho. You're either all in with me or all out. I love it. https://t.co/9bH60sw3Hq
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 28, 2017
If Geno is starting Sunday, tell Ben McAdoo to give me a call since he is giving washed players a chance to see what they can do.
— Terrell Thomas (@TerrellThomas24) November 28, 2017
Cov 2 only, No special Teams and yes I will be eating cookies during your meetings.#nyg
Eli a for sure HOFer don’t argue with me because I ain’t going back and forth str8 up
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) November 28, 2017
Davis Webb, one of the players who will “be in the mix” at some point in the season with Manning benched was effusive in his praise of Manning.
Davis Webb: Eli has done unbelievable things for this organization...he's been a great teammate...he's the best to ever play the position for this franchise.
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 28, 2017
Davis Webb repeatedly called Eli the best teammate he's ever had.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 28, 2017
We already knew that the Giants were scouting top quarterbacks. Some of the ones they might be picking from might not remember life before Manning.
Some top QB prospects might be too young to remember a #Giants QB other than Eli Manning.
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) November 28, 2017
Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson and Josh Rosen were 7 years old when Eli made his first start.
Finally, Mike Francessa likely summed up the opinions of most every Giants’ fan and former player:
Francesa on McAdoo: "You can't run this clown out of town fast enough. The worst thing that happened to Eli Manning is being associated to you!." Wow...
— Brian Monzo (@BMonzoWFAN) November 28, 2017
Mike Francesa on Ben McAdoo: “Maybe on the way out you can look at Eli’s rings because that’s the closest you’ll ever get to one”.
— Gotham Sports Network (@GothamSN) November 28, 2017