Eli Manning's streak of 210 consecutive starts came to an end yesterday, as New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo opted to bench the 2x Super Bowl champ in favor of Geno Smith. After the Giants' 24-17 loss to the Raiders in Oakland yesterday afternoon, Eli made it clear that he intends on playing again next season, which would be his 15th year in the league.
Whether Manning is playing for the Giants, or some other team next season, remains to be seen but retirement isn't on the 36-year old QB's mind. According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, Eli told reporters after the game, "Yeah, I plan on playing next season."
Manning still has two more years remaining on his four-year, $84 million deal, which includes $10.5 million next season and $11.5 million for the 2019 season.
The controversial decision to bench Eli Manning had fans, members of the media, Manning's former teammates and others criticizing the Giants organization, specifically head coach Ben McAdoo. After yesterday's loss, which puts the G-Men at 2-10 for the season, rumors picked up that McAdoo will be fired before the Giants' Week 14 matchup against the division rival Dallas Cowboys.
Despite the way Manning was unceremoniously benched by McAdoo, the veteran QB says he doesn't want to see anybody get fired over the decision.