'''Elisha Nelson "Eli" Manning''' (born January 3, 1981, in New Orleans, Louisiana) is the starting quarterback for the New York Giants NFL franchise. He is the son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning and Olivia Williams Manning, and is the younger brother of current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and former Ole Miss receiver Cooper Manning, whose college career was cut short by spinal stenosis.
Academic Achievements
Eli earned numerous academic honors while at The University of Mississippi (commonly referred to as "Ole Miss"). He made the Chancellor's Honor Roll in the Fall of 1999 and the Fall of 2002, the Dean's Honor Roll in the Spring and Fall of 2000. Additionally, Manning made the U.M.A.A. Honor Roll in the Spring of 2001, 2002, and 2003. He also made the 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 SEC Academic Honor Roll. He was also named to the 2001 and 2002 Verizon District VI All-Academic first team and the 2001 Verizon national All-Academic second team. He received the 2003 ''The Sporting News Radio'' Socrates Award, which recognizes a collegiate student-athlete who demonstrates excellence in academics, athletics, and citizenship. He received the NCAA's Today Top VIII Award (the highest honor given to student-athletes by the NCAA, which includes an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship). Manning was also a finalist for the Draddy Award, given to the top student-athlete in the nation. Manning received the 2003 Colonel Earl (Red) Blaik Leadership Award from ''The All-America Foundation'', which included a scholarship to the University of Mississippi given in his name. Manning was also elected to the Ole Miss Student Hall of Fame.
He is currently a member of U.S. President George W. Bush's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.http://www.fitness.gov/bio_manning.htm
Pre-NFL Football Career
Eli Manning played high school football at the prestigious Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was a three year starter. In his senior year, he led the team to the playoffs, posting an 11-1 record. Eli ended his high school career with 7,389 yards, 81 touchdowns, and only 24 interceptions. He was voted All-District, All-State, and All-America. Other accolades that he received include the USA Today Player of the Year in Louisiana and All-Metro MVP.
As the clock ticked away on his college decision, Eli received an interesting call from David Cutcliffe. Formerly the offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee, he had been hired as the head coach at Ole Miss. Eli knew how much Cutcliffe had done to help his older brother Peyton improve his game. The news that he was now in charge of the Rebel program was all he needed
