Eli Manning congratulates Drew Brees on stellar NFL career
It's been nearly 14 months since Eli Manning officially decided to hang up his cleats.
On Sunday, legendary quarterback Drew Brees announced that he would be moving on to the next chapter of his life as well, thus joining Manning in retirement from the NFL. He will end his playing career with the most passing yards (80,358) and the second-most passing touchdowns (571) in NFL history.
Brees and Manning faced off eight times throughout their careers, but one of those matchups stands out in particular.
On November 1, 2015, the Giants traveled to New Orleans to take on the Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The game went back and forth for four quarters, with the Saints finally emerging with a 52-49 victory. Despite the loss, the game has been etched in both Giants and NFL history.
Manning tossed six touchdown passes in the loss, while Brees matched the all-time NFL record with seven. The 13 combined passing touchdowns set a new NFL record at the time, beating the previous mark of 12 set back in 1969. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that is the only other game in which both quarterbacks tossed at least six touchdowns.
The 101 points combined between the two teams tied for the third-highest ever in the NFL, while the 49 points were the most the Giants have scored in a loss in franchise history.
Manning took to Twitter to congratulate Brees on a phenomenal career.
How tough is the Giants' schedule? Click to view each team's strength of schedule for the 2021 season based on the records of their opponents from 2020.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Strength of Schedule: .574
2. Baltimore Ravens
Strength of Schedule: .563
3. Chicago Bears
Strength of Schedule: .550
2021 Matchup: Giants at Bears
4. Green Bay Packers
Strength of Schedule: .542
5. Minnesota Vikings
Strength of Schedule: .531
T6. Cincinnati Bengals
Strength of Schedule: .529
T6. Detroit Lions
Strength of Schedule: .529
8. Las Vegas Raiders
Strength of Schedule: .526
2021 Matchup: Raiders at Giants
9. Cleveland Browns
Strength of Schedule: .518
10. Los Angeles Rams
Strength of Schedule: .515
2021 Matchup: Rams at Giants
T11. Kansas City Chiefs
Strength of Schedule: .511
2021 Matchup: Giants at Chiefs
T11. Seattle Seahawks
Strength of Schedule: .511
T13. Tennessee Titans
Strength of Schedule: .507
T13. Arizona Cardinals
Strength of Schedule: .507
T15. Washington Football Team
Strength of Schedule: .504
2021 Matchup: Washington at Giants, Giants at Washington
T15. Houston Texans
Strength of Schedule: .504
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Strength of Schedule: .493
2021 Matchup: Giants at Chargers
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
Strength of Schedule: .491
T19. San Francisco 49ers
Strength of Schedule: .489
T19. New York Jets
Strength of Schedule: .489
T19. New England Patriots
Strength of Schedule: .489
22. New Orleans Saints
Strength of Schedule: .483
2021 Matchup: Giants at Saints
T23. Buffalo Bills
Strength of Schedule: .478
T23. Indianapolis Colts
Strength of Schedule: .478
25. New York Giants
Strength of Schedule: .474
26. Carolina Panthers
Strength of Schedule: .472
2021 Matchup: Panthers at Giants
T27. Denver Broncos
Strength of Schedule: .471
2021 Matchup: Broncos at Giants
T27. Miami Dolphins
Strength of Schedule: .471
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Strength of Schedule: .465
2021 Matchup: Giants at Buccaneers
30. Atlanta Falcons
Strength of Schedule: .454
2021 Matchup: Falcons at Giants
31. Dallas Cowboys
Strength of Schedule: .452
2021 Matchup: Cowboys at Giants, Giants at Cowboys
32. Philadelphia Eagles
Strength of Schedule: .430
2021 Matchup: Eagles at Giants, Giants at Eagles
Nate Ebner eyes return to Olympics on United States National Rugby Team
Nate Ebner has played in and won three Super Bowls, but the sports spectacle that most captivated him was disconnected from football and took place in another hemisphere.
As a member of the United States National Rugby Team, the Giants' veteran safety participated in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
"You're on a different continent in a country where they don't even really speak your language," Ebner said last week. "We're in a two-hour opening ceremony where all these countries come through – obviously, the United States is one of the last ones as a 'U.' When the United States came out, the roar that I heard in that stadium gave me chills, like nothing I've heard before. When you're in a different hemisphere of the world and they're cheering for you like that, it shows you what you represent and it's a lot bigger than you. To be a part of Team USA is extremely special and being from this country and what it means to be an American, and those things really resonated with me in the opening ceremony."
Ebner hopes to participate in another opening ceremony at the Olympics this year. Beginning today, he will join approximately 30 players trying out for the 12 spots on the U.S. team coached by Mike Friday that will compete in the XXXII Olympiad, which is scheduled to begin July 23 in Tokyo. The Games were postponed for a year because of the pandemic.
"We are very excited to welcome Nate back into the pack," Friday said. "He is not only a talented athlete, rugby player and Olympian, he is a durable individual who knows how to grind and is selfless for the cause.
"Nate is an authentic, good man who carries himself with humility, has a burning desire in his eyes to achieve and a passion to embed rugby and its values in the American sporting landscape. He is a Dawg, a Pioneer and will be up for the challenge as we look ahead to Tokyo."
The formal nickname for all USA Rugby National Teams is Eagles, but Dawg and Pioneer each has a special meaning to the USA Men's Sevens. Dawg stems from a poem that signifies the unique differences of each individual where all work together as a pack to achieve a common goal.
Pioneer, stemming from a 2018 documentary series, illustrates the team's collective mission to cement the game of rugby in America and leave a legacy for future generations.
The Giants fully support Ebner, who played in all 16 games for the team in 2020, his first season with the team.
The Olympic rugby competition is scheduled for July 26-28. Training camp will begin around that time, so Ebner could theoretically miss just the first week or so – as he did five years ago, when he was with New England. Giants coach Joe Judge was then the Patriots' special teams coordinator.
"We are proud to support Nate in his effort to earn a place on the United States National Rugby team," Judge said. "This is the second time I have been with Nate while he tries to make the team to represent our country in the Olympics. We know that rugby has been an important part of Nate's life since he was a young man, and Dave (Gettleman) and I both encouraged him to pursue this opportunity. Nate's rugby training will keep him in great shape this offseason, and we will stay in touch with him as he goes through the process."
View photos of Giants defensive back and special teams ace Nate Ebner.
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
United States's Nate Ebner, during the men's rugby sevens match against Brazil at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.
David Mayo (55), Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
United States' Nate Ebner during the men's rugby sevens match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) runs off the field before an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Nate Ebner (43)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a week 1 regular season Monday Night football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) lines up for the kick off during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp scrimmage at Met Life Stadium on Friday August 28, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
United States's Nate Ebner, front left, is tackled by Brazil's Stefano Giantorno, left back, during the men's rugby sevens match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016.
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) makes a move on the field in kick coverage during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Nate Ebner (43), Logan Ryan (23)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) runs down field during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) in action during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner jogs on the field against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) runs down the field after kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
Brazil's Daniel Sancery, front, is tackled by United States's Nate Ebner, during the men's rugby sevens match at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016.
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) drops back in pass coverage during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner in action against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
United States's Nate Ebner, scores a try during the men's rugby sevens match against Brazil at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) sets up for the kick off during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) in between plays during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) defends a kick off during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) sets up for the kick off during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) awaits a Pittsburgh Steelers kickoff during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) runs during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Chicago. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) warms up during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 in Inglewood, Calif. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Nate Ebner (43) gets set for the kick off against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
United States's Nate Ebner, scores a try during the men's rugby sevens match against Brazil at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
Nate Ebner (43)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 18, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nate Ebner (43)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp practice on Thursday September 3, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday September 1, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner participates during a scrimmage at the NFL football team's training camp, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp scrimmage at Met Life Stadium on Friday August 28, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Nate Ebner (43) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Former scout Matt Manocherian talks NFL Draft
Former NFL scout and Vice President of Football and Research at Sports Information Systems Matt Manocherean joins Giants.com's John Schmeelk on the Giants Huddle podcast to break down the 2021 NFL Draft class.
Check out the audio below to listen to Manocherian's full conversation with Schmeelk.
