Eli Manning: $100 Million Man?
Is the Giants QB worth the money?
Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 3:35 PMHow much is Eli Manning worth to the New York Giants?
Prior to the 2007 playoffs, the answer to that question would have been up for debate. Some fans believed he had yet to blossom as an elite NFL quarterback, while others felt he had peaked and his best days were already behind him.
Like most fans, many media personalities were just as skeptical of the then 26-year-old. But then came Jan. 26 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was at that point Manning took the next step ... a step that would propel him to a Super Bowl victory over the then undefeated* New England Patriots and his first MVP award.
Fast forward to Week Six of the 2008 regular season and Manning has led the Giants to a perfect 4-0 record and is having his best statistical season to date.
Now how much is Eli Manning worth to the New York Giants? Well, if rumors turn out to be true, General Manager Jerry Reese and the Giants believe Manning could be worth seven years andabout $100 million – or about $800,000 more than Peyton Manning and $32.5 million morethan Tony Romo.
One hundred million dollars: I couldn't imagine that sort of payday if I tried, and I'll never suggest that any professional athlete is worth that much. But business is business, and if that's what the market calls for, so be it.
Bottom line: The Giants should shell out whatever it costs to keep Manning in blue for the duration of his NFL career. The guy is a proven winner and obviously has the mental capacity to deal with the pressure(s) of New York. Those two characteristics alone are worth more than evenBill Gates could put a price-tag on.
MORE:
