It was for his safety.
Eli Manning recently shared a humorous revelation about never having ridden the subway during his 16 seasons with the New York Giants, citing safety concerns as the main reason. The two-time Super Bowl champion surprised fans last week when he posted a selfie with the caption, “First time riding the subway!” The news sparked disbelief among New York sports fans, who were shocked to learn that their beloved quarterback had never experienced the city’s iconic subway system.
Manning’s brother, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, jokingly commented on the revelation during a broadcast of “ManningCast,” saying, “Eli, this was very shocking to me, I thought you were a man of the people,” and expressing his disappointment. Eli explained that his reason for avoiding the subway wasn’t due to its conditions, but rather logistical and contractual factors. He noted that he mostly lived in New Jersey during his playing days, which meant he was rarely in the city.
Eli also revealed that his contract with the Giants included a clause specifically prohibiting him from using the subway. According to him, the team’s concern was his safety, joking that he could be “pushed in front of a train.” Despite living so close to New York, Manning’s contract treated the subway as a potential injury risk, similar to off-season activities like snowboarding or jet-skiing, which are typically banned in NFL contracts due to the risk of injury.
Given that the Giants’ stadium is located in New Jersey, Eli’s lack of subway travel wasn’t entirely surprising. What was unexpected, however, was the inclusion of such a safety clause in his contract, underscoring just how seriously the team took his well-being. Despite the restrictions, Manning had a remarkably durable career, playing and starting every game for 14 consecutive seasons, earning him the reputation of an NFL “Iron Man” and a true “man of the people.”
