A Lesson in Leadership From New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning

December 1, 2017

[debby wong]

Despite being demoted from his role as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, football player Eli Manning has shown the humility, grace and emotional intelligence of a leader, according to Inc. magazine.

His streak of 210 regular-season starts is the second-longest in NFL history, and he is one of only 12 quarterbacks who have won multiple Super Bowls. But the Giants, suffering one of their worst seasons ever with a 2-9 record, recently announced their intention to give more playing time to Manning’s younger backups, Geno Smith and Davis Webb.

To keep Manning’s games-started streak going, Giants coach Ben MacAdoo offered to let him continue playing the first halves of games. But Manning declined, reportedly telling ESPN, “My feeling is that if you are going to play the other guys, play them. Like I always have, I will be ready to play if and when I am needed. I will help Geno and Davis prepare to play as well as they possibly can.”

Effective leaders concern themselves with action, not position, Inc. contributor Justin Bariso writes. They set an example and focus on doing great work. Manning has shown that he can keep his emotions in check for his own good and the good of others.

He isn’t going to play forever, and with the Giants’ current record, this is a perfect opportunity for him to give younger players the chance to gain valuable experience. — Greg Beaubien