An incredible run of 210 consecutive regular-season starts is set to end for Eli Manning when the New York Giants travel to face the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
The 36-year-old quarterback has not failed to start a game for the Giants since November 14, 2004.
Yet, as the general manager of the Giants Jerry Reese confirmed,
This is not a statement about anything other than we are 2-9, and we have to do what is best for the organisation moving forward, and that means evaluating every position.
Although Manning was given the option of starting the team's remaining five fixtures to maintain his incredible run, ultimately the two-time Super Bowl winner and MVP felt such a move would only cheapen it's worth:
Coach McAdoo told me I could continue to start while Geno [Smith] and Davis [Webb] are given the opportunity to play.
My feeling is that if you are going to play the other guys, play them. Starting just to keep the streak going and knowing you won't finish the game and have a chance to win it is pointless to me, and it tarnishes the streak.
Although Manning is dealing with the set back in the most professional way imaginable, a short press conference after the decision was announced demonstrated how much this development had hurt him.
Discussing his omission with a gathered pack of journalists, Manning managed to hold back the tears. Where his future lies is now uncertain however.
You can watch his emotional interview below.
Eli Manning very emotional discussing the decision pic.twitter.com/L2rtHLtStV
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) November 28, 2017
