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Archie Manning, far left, was on radio row Thursday at the Super Bowl. (By Jordan Raanan, NJ.com)

PHOENIX ‐ Eleven years ago, Eli Manning hand-picked the New York Giants. That is where he wanted to play and where his personal team made sure he landed.

Eleven years later, Manning wants nothing more than to remain with the New York Giants. He's made his life (complete wife and children) in New Jersey, and has stated his desire to finish his career with the only professional team he's known.

Manning's passion for the Giants after 11 seasons and two Super Bowls is so strong that his father, Archie, believes that he would probably retire before landing in a new destination, like his brother, Peyton, did three years ago after being cut by the Indianapolis Colts.

"Peyton's enjoyed his three years with the Broncos but he always envisioned himself playing for one team. So I'm glad when he did have to change, he made a good choice," Archie said Thursday on Radio Row after flipping pizzas with Joe Montana. "But Eli, I think if the Giants traded Eli, he would retire. He loves his team. He loves the New York Giants."

Eli, 34, is in the final year of his current contract. He counts $19.75 million against the salary cap next season. The Giants may slowplay the situation and ask him to play in the final year before deciding the direction of the franchise following three consecutive playoff-less seasons. Eli said recently he'd willingly do it, if necessary, because of his strong desire to remain with the team.

The Giants' quarterback is coming off one of the best statistical seasons of his career, fresh off his worst year. He seemed to greatly benefit from the installation of a new offense under coordinator Ben McAdoo that featured more short, quick passes.

Archie thinks the change was exactly what the doctor ordered for the youngest of his three sons. It should prolong his career.

"At age 33 when they changed, it was probably good," Archie said. "And he likes it."

The one change that surprised Archie (and Eli) was that McAdoo asked his quarterbacks to adjust their footwork. That, Archie believes, took time for Eli to master. It was a significant change to what he had become accustomed to after almost a decade working with Kevin Gilbride.

Eventually, Archie saw his son get comfortable, and the results followed. The arrival of a star wide receiver from the Mannings' home state of Louisiana helped.

"I thought going to the West Coast was great for Eli at this point of his career. Really great," Archie said. "But I didn't know it was going to involve mechanics and footwork and all that stuff. It was a transition, but he made it and he got more comfortable. Maybe he got comfortable when Odell [Beckham Jr.] started playing."

If the end of last year was an accurate indication of what is to come, Eli and Beckham should do some major damage in 2015 ... and beyond. At least that is what the Mannings want to see, Eli doing what his father and big brother were not able to do ‐ finish their careers where they started.

"Eli wants to," Archie said. "I hope he can. Eli doesn't worry about it too much. That is kind of the Giants decision."

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.