Eli Manning says the booing of John Mara was 'not a fair act by the fans'

Almost everything about Eli Manning’s induction into the Giants’ Ring of Honor and jersey number retirement last Sunday went perfectly.

But there was an awkward moment when Giants president John Mara was booed as he spoke, and Manning gestured to fans at MetLife Stadium to stop.

Manning said the incident was "not a fair act by the fans" when asked about it in an interview with Newsday on Tuesday to promote "The Eli Manning Show," which premiered on the Giants’ YouTube channel this week.

"No one wants to see that or wants that to happen," he said. "I appreciate him coming out there and introducing me. The Mara and Tisch families have been so wonderful to me, and they have given me this opportunity not only to play for the Giants, but gave me the honor of having my jersey retired.

"So I appreciate Mr. Mara’s friendship and everything he’s done for me. I was glad he came out. Not a fair act by the fans for them to do that. I was kind of hoping going into halftime the Giants would have a 21-0 lead. It would have made everything a little bit smoother."

Instead, the Giants trailed, 7-6, en route to a 17-14 loss to the Falcons that dropped them to 0-3 for the season.

"The Eli Manning Show" is part of a broad partnership between Manning and the Giants that includes business development, fan engagement and content such as the YouTube show.

SEE PHOTOSEli Manning's Ring of Honor ceremony

But Manning has no formal role on the football end of the operation, which is the way he wants it. That being said, he is open to offering informal advice if asked.

"I’m always happy to talk with Daniel [Jones] or to any of the players," he said. "These guys are the guys that I’ve known, were teammates of mine. I’m always happy to help out or give a hand.

"I still reach out to Daniel. You have a friendship with him, so that stuff will never change."

Manning said the COVID-19 pandemic presents a logistical challenge, though. He is technically not allowed to be in the same room as the players or coaches because of the tiering system that is part of the virus protocol.

"I’m finding different parts of the Giants' facilities that I’ve never been in before," he said. "Been here for 10 years [at Quest Diagnostics Center] and I’m in parts that I did not know existed. I’ve gotten to see the different sides of the organization, what goes on behind the scenes."

Manning hopes that when pandemic protocols ease, he will have more chances to connect with the current team.

One thing he intends not to do publicly — in interviews, on YouTube or on his "Monday Night Football" show with his brother Peyton — is criticize players, especially quarterbacks.

"That’s just not my nature," he said. "I don’t like criticizing any football players, because I know how hard it is. I know how difficult it is. I just want to praise and encourage from that end."

Even though Manning went 11-5 in his second season in 2005, the Giants reverted to 8-8 in 2006, and there were those outside the organization ready to give up on him — and on coach Tom Coughlin.

Jones now is in his third season as quarterback and has yet to reach the playoffs, but he has played relatively well despite the Giants’ winless start.

What would Manning say to Jones based on his own experience, including a Super Bowl title in Season Four?

"Just stick with it and keep your head and fight through those tough times," Manning said. "There are going to be those times in the NFL at some point. Some have it earlier, some have it later. In the middle there are going to be times. It’s just getting through those and fighting through it.

"Once you overcome it, it just makes you that much stronger that you have that confidence. I know he’ll get there."

By Neil Best

neil.best@newsday.com@sportswatch

Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.