Manning gives glimpse into retired life

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Eli Manning already has seen a slight difference in retirement.

“I probably haven’t worked out as much as I should have,” Manning cracked. “I’ve missed a few, kind of played golf instead of working out. Not much has changed so far. The first week has been pretty smooth.”

The former Giants quarterback on Saturday received the 33rd annual Bart Starr Award presented by Athletes in Action at the Super Bowl Breakfast. The award is given to the NFL player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.”

Manning was honored in front of his parents, two brothers — Peyton won the award in 2015 — and wife at The Diplomat Beach Resort. Giants co-owner John Mara and family shared a table in the ballroom.

“It’s a great way to go out,” Manning told a small group of reporters in his first comments since last week’s retirement ceremony.

Retired NFL coach Tony Dungy presented the award to Manning, after Starr’s son, Bart Jr. and widow, Cherry, shared examples of

Starr’s guiding belief to treat all people with respect.

“My dad often talked about what a great man Bart Starr was,” said Manning, who met Starr at banquets in college. “He set the example of how you are supposed to act, how you are supposed to behave on the field and off the field. It’s a tremendous honor to win the award, but also to be the first recipient after his passing.”

Manning said retirement will start to feel more real in the spring, when OTAs open and he is not at practice. It leaves him more time to dedicate to his charitable causes, most notably Tackle Kids Cancer, which contributes to children’s hospitals in New Jersey and his college home of Mississippi.

The award was voted on by active NFL players in 2019.