Eli Manning

Eli Manning was a little discouraged when everyone kept saying that "he wasn't tough enough and wasn't as good as [his] older brother Peyton." It appeared that people enjoyed slamming him during the 2007 season, butt the next year he would prove them wrong. During the 2008 playoff season he was pumped and had the statistics to prove it. In Super Bowl XLII the New York Giants faced the New England Patriots, a tough team to beat. At first things weren't looking good, but then there was a phenomenal catch by Tyree. It all came down to the last 39 seconds. Would they pull it off? YES! Elisha Nelson Manning was a New Orleans born and bred man. No doubt about it he was almost destined to play football because it seemed to be the family's "thing." His brother Peyton would even pin him to the ground and then "hit Eli until he could name all the teams in the Southeastern Conference." Eli was a bit more easygoing and quickly earned the nickname, "Easy." After highschool he ended up at Mississippi where he wasn't a starter until he was a sophomore. In this book you'll read about how his family didn't want him to play for the Chargers, how they made him their "number one pick anyway," his struggles as a rookie, how writers dissed him, how he became a star, his personal life and more! This book was a nice blend between Eli's personal and professional life as a football player. I enjoyed the personal touches that give the reader a feel for Eli's personality. There are numerous full color photographs with captions that include additional vignettes about Eli and his game. In the back of the book are career stats (2004-2007), a chronology (1981-2008), an index, a glossary, and additional recommended book and Internet resources. If you are interested in the Manning legacy, the New York Giants or just enjoy football, this may be a book you want to consider for your beginning reader!