Eli Manning is making a big comeback. The former New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion is returning to sports, but instead of throwing touchdowns passes, he will be looking over a soccer team as he recently became a minority owner for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club NJ/NY Gotham FC.
“Eli is known for the positive and influential impact he has on our communities,” Cub Chair Tammy Murphy said in a statement. “His legendary work ethic, drive for success, and passion for giving back to the community will be tremendous assets for our club. Pete brings a depth of sports acumen that will bolster all we are working to achieve. It’s my honor to welcome them both to the Gotham FC family.”
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“I have lived and worked in this community for almost two decades,” Manning said in a statement. “It’s home to me, and Gotham FC is my family’s favorite soccer club. Combine that with the organization’s strong leadership, talented roster, and sustained growth, and it became clear that joining this great group was a fantastic opportunity.”
Gotham FC plays its home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. The team is a founding member of the NWSL when it was launched in 2012. Founded in 2007, Gotham FC began playing in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. The team recently fired head coach Scott Parkinson following a 4-0-8 start to the season.
“My family has always believed that sports is an excellent way to instill values and promote healthy development for young people,” Manning added. “Sports teaches so much about teamwork, and work ethic, and they help build confidence. And as a dad, I want to make sure that my daughters have all the athletic opportunities that I was blessed with, and that’s why I’m happy to announce that I am the newest owner of Gotham FC, New York and New Jersey’s very own National Women’s Soccer League team. We’re driving what happens next in the world’s game with some of the greatest athletes in the game, and I can’t imagine what’s more exciting than being a part of that.”
Manning, 41, retired from the NFL following the 2019 season. In his 16 seasons with the Giants, Manning was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, led the Giants to two Super Bowl wins and won the Super Bowl MVP award twice. Manning threw for 57,023 yards and 366 touchdown passes, and both stats are ranked in the top 10 in NFL history. Manning’s No. 10 was retired by the Giants, and he was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.
