is known for having many great attributes as a quarterback: Durability, arm strength, big-game ability and a clutch gene that always seem to come out when the

needed it most in the Super Bowl.

Over the years, another has been evident in stories: Prank artist. Eli, although quiet and reserved in front of the media, has always been talked about as a great teammate and one that knew how to keep the locker room loose through long, grinding seasons. Even when the Giants were struggling, Eli's steadiness went a long way. Apparently, so did his ability to execute a perfect prank.

Antonio Pierce, the starting middle linebacker on New York's Super Bowl XLII team and Manning's teammate for five seasons, told a story of the ultimate Eli Manning prank

on ESPN Radio's

Russillo and Kanell

with hosts Ryen Russillo and former Giants quarterback Danny Kanell.

What Giants fans should know about Day 1 of NFL Combine



"Here's a guy that's playing pranks on his lineman," Pierce said. "He'd go get some purple paint and dip their shoes, and these guys are looking like Barney on a flight. They did something to Eli, so Eli goes to the equipment room and they get legit purple paint. So we come back in and we hear ruckus. All the lineman, all the starting five lineman had purple shoes. These are expensive shoes. And we're getting on the plane. You know how Coughlin is. You can't be late, wife can't bring you new shoes. You need to get on the plane with painted shoes!



"That's what people don't understand about Eli. That's the corniness and quirkiness about him that make him cool. When you see him at the Super Bowl, it's like, Eli just has a different way of going about things."



Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.