It was fitting that the opposing quarterback for Eli Manning’s farewell at MetLife Stadium in Sunday’s 36-20 victory over the Dolphins was Ryan Fitzpatrick and not some kid 15 years younger than the man of the hour.
In many ways, Fitzpatrick is the anti-Eli, having played for eight teams in a vagabond career now closing out his 15th NFL season. Fitzpatrick, 37, took a moment after the game to share a few private words with Manning, who has never played for any team other than the Giants.
“It was a nice moment that he had with the fans there at the end and then a classy gesture to kind of bring him out and get his ovation,” Fitzpatrick said.