There has always been more to Eli Manning than meets the eye. The aw-shucks demeanor on the field and reserved public persona belied a ruthless competitiveness that twice knocked off the Patriots in the Super Bowl and a sharp sense of humor that was revealed when he hosted Saturday Night Live in 2012.



With Manning’s 16-year run with the Giants coming to an end, The Athletic reached out to more than a dozen former teammates for their favorite memories of the quarterback. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the fearless competitor, the loyal friend and the prankster from those who know Manning best.



P Jeff Feagles (2004-09)



Manning made a good first impression on Feagles, paying for the punter’s family to vacation in Florida in exchange for his No. 10 after the 2004 draft. Feagles and Manning were locker room neighbors for six years, and Feagles fondly remembers celebrating with the quarterback after Lawrence Tynes’ overtime field goal in...