But you can be sure the Super Bowl XLII MVP will handle being left off NFL.com's compilation of the "Top 100 players of 2011" the same way he dealt with the three-inch laceration – unfazed.
After dripping blood against the Jets in the first preseason game of 2010, Manning went on to pile up the stats, reach milestones and lead the Giants to their fourth 10-win campaign with him calling the offensive signals.
During the season, Manning made his 100th consecutive start, finished fifth in passing yards and threw more touchdowns than Michael Vick, Josh Freeman, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers, all of whom made the cut on a list that had Tom Brady at No. 1, followed by Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson.
Manning is also one of three quarterbacks to pass for at least 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of the past six seasons.
"Eli Manning deserves to have a spot among the "Top 100" based on his past production and performance," NFL.com's Bucky Brooks wrote. "He was the Super Bowl XLII MVP, has a ring and the type of production that puts him on the cusp of being considered elite … If Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco can earn spots on the list with their limited résumés, then Manning definitely is deserving."
However, three Giants were recognized on the list determined by current players. Justin Tuck finished the highest at 60, while Antrel Rolle ranked at 68 and Chris Snee at 77.
Tuck, who ranked fifth among defensive ends, finished with 11.5 sacks as a captain in 2010, posting career highs in tackles (76) and forced fumbles (6).
Rolle, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, finished third among safeties behind Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu after recording 87 tackles, four passes defensed and one interception in his inaugural season with Big Blue.
Snee rounded out the four guards mentioned after earning his third straight Pro Bowl selection. The seven-year vet out of Boston College led an offensive line that tied for the least amount of quarterback sacks surrendered in the NFL in 2010.
Also left off the list was Osi Umenyiora, who had 11.5 sacks and set an NFL record for forced fumbles with 10.
"Umenyiora excels as a commodity in short supply in the league -- getting after the passer -- and he creates plays that can shift momentum in favor of the Giants," NFL Network's Jason La Canfora said. "Say what you want about Umenyiora's issues against the run, but the Giants have found ways to use him very effectively over the years. You can't tell me there are 100 players better at what they do than Umenyiora is at what he does to leave him off this list."
