A timeline of Eli Manning's career highlights: Magazine: mensvogue.com

Men's Vogue > Magazine

Print E-Mail Share

Athletes

From Shadows to Spotlight: From the Newman High School Greenies to the New York Giants — a timeline of Eli Manning's career highlights. By Barrett Baffert

Related: How Eli Manning proved himself to be more than just Peyton's little brother

Plus: A close-up look of what some have called the greatest play in Super Bowl history

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

1 of 11

A New Face to the Name — 1996-1998

When Eli Manning entered his sophomore year as the starting quarterback for Isadore Newman High School in New Orleans, his surname was already easily recognizable. So was his number — 18, which honored his father, Archie, a former NFL All-Pro quarterback. Three years prior, that number was worn by Eli's brother, Peyton — a Newman High School grad who had recently finished sixth in the Heisman vote as a sophomore quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. Before Peyton, oldest brother Cooper wore number 18 as the school's standout wide receiver before signing to play for Ole Miss in 1991. Eli had no choice but to play in the shadows of this familial trio, and comparisons began the instant he took the field. "Physically and mechanically, Eli and Peyton are a lot alike, but to compare Eli to his brother is a tough thing to do," Newman High School's head coach Frank Gendusa said as the school's third Manning brother entered his senior year. "Eli's scary good. He works hard to get better every week. Is he going to be as successful in college as Peyton? Only time will tell, but I'll tell you this: He's going to make some college coach very happy."

(Photo of Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning: Michael C. Herbert/US Presswire)