Look, if you're a Giants fan, the name Eli Manning is basically sacred. You've got the two Super Bowl rings, the "helmet catch" drive, and that iron-man streak that honestly still feels underrated. So, it makes total sense that his plastic counterpart—the Eli Manning Funko Pop—has become this weirdly essential relic for New York collectors.
But here’s the thing. Most people think there’s just one "Eli" sitting on a shelf somewhere. They're wrong. Collecting these little vinyl bobbleheads is actually a minefield of "vaulted" status, exclusive stickers, and a specific red throwback jersey that drives people absolutely nuts.
The Basics: Meet Number 18
The standard version of the Eli Manning Funko Pop is part of the NFL Wave 1 set. It’s officially designated as figure #18. If you’re looking at the box, you’ll see him in the classic Big Blue home jersey. He’s got the white pants, the blue jersey, and he’s holding a football, ready to ruin Tom Brady’s perfect season for the second time.
Funko released this one back when Eli was still the king of MetLife Stadium. Since he’s retired, the figure has officially been "vaulted." For those who don't speak Funko, "vaulted" basically means the mold is retired. They aren't making more. You can’t just stroll into a Target and find one for $12 anymore.
Currently, a standard, non-exclusive #18 Eli in a decent box will probably set you back anywhere from $30 to $50. But that’s the "boring" version.
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Why the Toys R Us Exclusive is the Real MVP
If you really want to talk about the "Holy Grail" of Eli figures, we have to talk about the Toys R Us exclusive. Remember Toys R Us? Yeah, RIP.
This specific Eli Manning Funko Pop features Eli in a throwback red jersey. It’s vibrant. It’s loud. It’s also much harder to find. Because Toys R Us went through its whole bankruptcy saga, these exclusives didn't just stop being made—the places that sold them literally vanished.
- The Sticker: On the bottom right of the window, you’ll see that iconic "Only at Toys R Us" sticker. Collectors care about that sticker more than they probably should.
- The Value: In today’s market, a mint-condition Red Jersey Eli can easily clear $75 to $100. I’ve seen some go for more if the box is "flawless" (no creases, no corner dings).
- The Rarity: Because it was a retail exclusive from a dead retailer, the supply is fixed. It’s a closed loop.
Honestly, the red jersey is a bit polarizing for Giants fans. Some love the 2000s throwback vibe; others think the Giants should only ever wear blue. But in the world of Funko, "different" equals "expensive."
The Autograph Game: Pricing the Legend
If you want to go even deeper, you’ll find some Eli Manning Funko Pop figures with a Fanatics or JSA (James Spence Authentication) sticker. These are the heavy hitters.
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Eli isn't exactly a hermit—he does signings—but getting him to sign a specific Funko Pop box with a paint pen is a premium service. A Fanatics-authenticated signed Eli Pop can list for anywhere between $350 and $550.
I saw one recently on a secondary marketplace where he included the inscription "2x SB MVP." That little bit of extra ink? That adds another $50 of "bragging rights" value easily. If you’re buying one of these, please, for the love of everything, make sure there’s a COA (Certificate of Authenticity). Fakes are everywhere, and nobody wants to spend five hundred bucks on a Sharpie squiggle from some guy in a basement.
Common Misconceptions About the Helmet
Here is something that trips up new collectors: the helmet.
Early promo shots of the Eli Manning Funko Pop sometimes made it look like the helmet was a separate piece you could snap on and off. In reality, it’s a molded part of the figure. You aren't taking that Giants helmet off without a hacksaw and a lot of regret.
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Also, people often confuse the "Color Rush" variants of other players with Eli’s Red Jersey. Eli never got a formal "Color Rush" Pop (the ones with the white jerseys and red stripes). If you see a white-jersey Eli, it’s likely a custom job someone made in their garage. Cool? Maybe. Official? No.
Is It a Good Investment?
Look, I’m not a financial advisor. I’m a guy who likes sports and plastic toys. But if you're looking at the Eli Manning Funko Pop as an investment, it’s a "hold."
Eli is a lock for the Hall of Fame. When that induction ceremony happens in Canton, you can bet your bottom dollar the prices for his memorabilia will spike. The #18 Pop is a piece of history. Unlike modern players who might get traded or flame out, Eli’s legacy is set in stone. He’s a Giant for life.
Expert Tip: If you're buying for value, check the "pop protector." These are plastic cases that keep the cardboard from warping. If a seller is shipping a $100 Pop without a protector, they don't know what they're doing.
How to Spot a Fake Box
- The Font: Look at the "18" on the top right. On fakes, the numbering font is often slightly too thin or the wrong shade of white.
- The Logos: Funko has very specific licensing for the NFL logo. If the shield looks blurry or the colors are "off," walk away.
- The Foot: Check the bottom of the figure's foot. There should be a serial number (like JJL or DRM) that matches the sticker on the bottom of the box. If they don't match, you've got a "franken-Pop."
Collecting the Eli Manning Funko Pop isn't just about the money, though. It's about that 2007 season. It's about the grin on his face when he knew he'd just beat the "undefeated" team. Having that little guy on your desk is a constant reminder that sometimes, the underdog actually wins.
To get started with your collection, focus on finding a standard #18 in a "near-mint" box before the prices jump during Hall of Fame season. Once you have the home blue, keep an eye on eBay auctions for the Toys R Us Red Jersey—sort by "Ending Soonest" to snag a deal from a seller who didn't set a high enough reserve.