It’s the end of an era for the New York Giants.

Longtime quarterback Eli Manning announced he will retire from the NFL on Friday.

"For 16 seasons, Eli Manning defined what it is to be a New York Giant both on and off the field," Giants co-owner John Mara said in a statement. "Eli is our only two-time Super Bowl MVP and one of the very best players in our franchise's history. He represented our franchise as a consummate professional with dignity and accountability. It meant something to Eli to be the Giants quarterback, and it meant even more to us.

"We are beyond grateful for his contributions to our organization and look forward to celebrating his induction into the Giants Ring of Honor in the near future."

Manning, 39, just completed his 16th season in the league, all of them with the Giants. Manning helped lead New York to two Super Bowl titles (XLII and XLVI) and won the game’s Most Valuable Player in each. Both victories came against the New England Patriots, with the former triumph coming against a team that entered the game with an 18-0 record.

Manning finishes his career ranked seventh in NFL history in both passing yards (57,023) and touchdowns (366). He also had a career 60.3% completion rate.

"We are proud to have called Eli Manning our quarterback for so many years," Giants co-owner Steve Tisch said in a statement. "Eli was driven to always do what was best for the team. Eli leaves a timeless legacy with two Super Bowl titles on the field and his philanthropic work off the field, which has inspired and impacted so many people. We are sincerely thankful for everything Eli has given our team and community. He will always be a Giant among Giants."

After sitting the majority of his rookie season in 2004, Manning started 210 games from the 2005 campaign until Week 13 in 2017, when he was benched by then-coach Ben McAdoo. Manning then regained his starting job the following week and held onto the position until the third week of this season, at which point rookie Daniel Jones took over.

Manning, however, returned to start two final games for the Giants in Weeks 14 and 15 when Jones was sidelined with a sprained ankle.

Manning’s last start was a 41-35 victory against the Miami Dolphins. He threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in the game. While still on the field, the Giants showed Manning on the video board at MetLife Stadium, causing Manning to become visibly emotional.

After this past season ended with the 4-12 Giants missing the playoffs for the third year in a row, Manning said he would take some time to contemplate his future.

“It was an honor and privilege to coach Eli, and to go through the wonderful and magnificent moments that he and his teammates provided for all of us,” former Giants coach Tom Coughlin said in a statement released through the team. “The guys that had the opportunity to play with him know that it’s like to be with a guy with as much talent, as much grit, as much determination. Here foes the retirement of a great, great Football Giant.”

Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.

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