It’s actually kind of wild to think about how much time has passed since Eli Manning was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Indianapolis. Honestly, for New York Giants fans, those memories feel like they happened yesterday, but the calendar tells a different story. As of January 2026, Eli Manning is 45 years old.
Born on January 3, 1981, in the heart of New Orleans, Elisha Nelson Manning has officially entered his mid-40s. He isn't just "retired Eli" anymore. He’s a multi-hyphenate media mogul, a father of four, a part-owner of a soccer team, and—as of right now—a man standing on the very edge of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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While most guys his age are just trying to keep their knees from creaking when they get out of bed, Eli is arguably busier than he was when he was taking snaps.
The Age of Eli Manning and the Hall of Fame Wait
There’s a specific reason everyone is suddenly obsessed with the age of Eli Manning this year. It isn't just about a birthday; it’s about the "five-year rule." In the NFL, you have to be retired for five full seasons before you can even be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Eli hung up his cleats after the 2019 season. That makes 2025 and 2026 his prime window for immortality.
Just a few days ago, in early January 2026, the news broke that Eli is officially one of the 15 Modern-Era Finalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This is his second year as a finalist. He’s up against some absolute heavyweights like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Terrell Suggs.
The debate around his age and his career is heating up again because, frankly, his stats are a bit of a polarizing mess for the "math people." He finished with a perfectly even 117-117 regular-season record. But you can't talk about Eli without talking about the two Super Bowl MVPs. He’s one of only six players in history to win that award twice.
"I’m sitting there and I’m tasting the different barrels and kind of acting like I know what’s going on," Eli recently told People magazine, referring to his new bourbon line, but he could just as easily be talking about his transition into a post-football life where he’s constantly trying new things.
Life at 45: From the ManningCast to Minority Ownership
If you thought Eli was going to disappear into a quiet life in New Jersey, you haven't been paying attention. He’s basically everywhere. At 45, he has built a media empire alongside his brother Peyton.
- The ManningCast: This isn't just a "show." It’s changed how people watch Monday Night Football. Eli provides the dry, younger-brother wit that balances out Peyton’s high-energy intensity.
- Eli’s Places: He’s still traveling to iconic college football spots for ESPN+, showing that he hasn't lost that "Ole Miss" spirit.
- Gotham FC: He’s a part-owner of the NWSL's Gotham FC. He’s often spotted at games, spurred on by his daughters' love for athletics.
He also recently launched "Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch" with Knob Creek. It’s a cask-strength bourbon. He’s lean, he’s healthy, and he seems to be enjoying the fact that he no longer has 300-pound defensive linemen trying to drive him into the turf.
Family Man in the "Girl Dad" Era
Eli and his wife, Abby McGrew, have their hands full in Summit, New Jersey. At 45, Eli is deep in the "shuttle driver" phase of fatherhood.
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The couple has four kids: Ava (14), Lucy (12), Caroline (10), and the youngest, Charlie (7).
Charlie was actually born on Super Bowl Sunday in 2018. Talk about timing. Eli has been seen on social media giving Charlie "knee football" lessons, teaching him ball security and the fundamentals. But he’s also a self-proclaimed "Girl Dad." He spends a huge chunk of his time watching Ava cheerlead or taking the girls to lacrosse and swimming practice.
He even admitted to forgetting Caroline's helmet for her first hockey practice back in 2022. Stars—they're just like us, right?
Why the Number 45 Matters for the Giants
For the New York Giants organization, Eli Manning at 45 represents the last "golden era." Since he retired, the team has struggled to find that same level of consistency and "clutch" gene.
His consecutive start streak remains one of the most absurd records in sports. From 2004 to 2017, he started 210 straight games. He literally never missed a game due to injury. That level of durability is why he's still in such great shape today. He didn't leave the game "broken"; he left on his own terms.
He’s currently back with the Giants in a business and community relations role. He’s helping with marketing, fan engagement, and "Tackle Kids Cancer," a cause he’s been championing for years.
The Verdict on Eli’s Legacy
The age of Eli Manning is really a marker of a specific era in NFL history. It was the era of the "pocket passer," the era before every quarterback had to run a 4.4 forty-yard dash.
Some critics say he’s a "compiler"—someone who just played a long time and racked up stats. They point to the 244 interceptions. But the 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns tell a different story. And then there are the wins. The wins against Tom Brady. Twice.
When the Hall of Fame committee meets before Super Bowl LX this February, they’ll have to decide if a 45-year-old Eli Manning deserves that gold jacket.
Whether he gets in this year or next, his impact on the game is set in stone. He’s a New York icon who aged gracefully out of the huddle and into a role as football’s funniest, most relatable ambassador.
What to Watch Next:
Keep an eye on the NFL Honors on February 5, 2026. That is when the official Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced. If Eli gets the call, expect a massive celebration at MetLife Stadium later this year. You can also catch the latest "2026 Batch" of his ManningCast to see him breakdown the upcoming Super Bowl LX matchups.