Jan. 23, 2026, 6:20 a.m. ET
Even without an official position, Eli Manning remains a highly valued voice within the New York Giants‘ organization.
The two-time Super Bowl MVP recently played a key behind-the-scenes role in helping recruit John Harbaugh as the team’s new head coach, personally reaching out to the accomplished veteran, along with former coach Brian Daboll and others, such as Tom Coughlin and Phil Simms.
Manning, currently a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, has no formal title with the organization. He previously held a business development and fan engagement role starting in 2021, but stepped away to focus on broadcasting and family.
Last year, Manning briefly considered purchasing a minority ownership stake when the Mara and Tisch families put a portion of the team up for sale, but ultimately declined due to cost and potential conflicts.
Despite a busy schedule coaching his children’s youth sports teams, Manning stays connected.
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“Hey, I’m always going to be helpful and be there for the Giants,” he said, via Newsday. “I’m always happy to lend support and help them in any way.”
Manning added that personal commitments leave little room for an official job.
“I don’t know if there’s time to have a formal role,” he said.
Manning advised ownership on the ideal coaching profile — someone with experience who could serve as a “CEO of not just the team but the whole organization” — and saw Harbaugh as the perfect fit when his name surfaced.
“They don’t come up that often,” he noted.
Praising the Mara and Tisch’s commitment, Manning said, “There’s no owners that are more committed to building a winning team and a winning franchise, and they want to win championships.”
Manning’s informal advisory role echoes lifelong Giants supporters like Frank Gifford, ensuring the franchise legend’s influence endures.
