Don’t tell quarterback Eli Manning that the New York Giants are a failing franchise whose brand had to be saved and held above water by superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Manning got wind of Beckham’s comments to GQ Magazine in which the receiver ripped the Giants and implied he single-handedly kept them in the national spotlight, telling NFL Network on Thursday that it resulted in a hearty laugh.
“I don’t think they bothered me. You just kind of shake your head and laugh,” Manning said, via Around the NFL digital content editor Jeremy Bergman. “I won a few games before he was here.”
It’s rare that Manning addresses the comments of a former teammate, but he’s made a few noteworthy quips over his 16-year career, beginning with running back Tiki Barber in 2007.
In this instance, Manning was quick to remind everyone in a not so subtle way that he had won two Super Bowl titles before Beckham arrived on the scene. Manning had also carried the Giants to eight straight non-losing seasons from 2005-2012, finishing above .500 in six of those seasons.
Following a 7-9 season in 2013, the Giants drafted Beckham in the first round of the NFL Draft and went on to compile an overall record of 31-49 (6.2-9.8 average) during his five seasons with the team.
Having grown frustrated with Beckham’s immaturity, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman traded the receiver to the Cleveland Browns in March.
