subject: New York Giants Tickets - Manning Gives Back To Alma Mater [print this page] When some players enter the NFL, they forget the school that helped them reach the big leagues. Eli Manning is not one of those players. Eli Manning attended the University of Mississippi and earned his marketing degree from the school, graduating in 2003. His wife, Abby McGrew Manning, also graduated from the school. His family is strongly tied to the university as well, because Manning's famous dad, Archie Manning, and his mom, Olivia Manning, also attended the school.
Now that Manning is one of the stars of the National Football League, he and his wife have decided to give back to their alma mater. The Mannings donated $1 million to Ole Miss to be used for a need-based academic scholarship program called Ole Miss Opportunity. According to NFL.com, Manning said of the donation, "This giving back is really about giving someone a chance to enjoy Ole Miss. The reason I came to Ole Miss over many other schools is because I thought if I never played a down of football, this is where I would want to go to school." He also emphasized the importance of academics.
Manning has been an important part of the Giants' scheme since he joined the team in 2004 as a hotly-coveted first-round pick. The San Diego Chargers had the first overall pick and wanted Manning, but he engineered a deal to go to the Giants instead. Since then, he has proved his worth by helping the team to an upset Super Bowl win following the 2007 season. Last season the Giants didn't make the playoffs with a record of 8-8. Their third-place finish in the NFC East is likely spurring on the team to reach further in 2010, but Manning is likely hoping for another season like 2009. Last season, he amassed 4,021 yards, 27 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a passer rating of 93.1. The yardage, touchdown and ratings are all the highest of his career.
In light of the Giants releasing now-retired linebacker Antonio Pierce, they have added a new veteran linebacker. The team agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck, inking a 2.5 million, one-year deal, reports NFL.com. Bulluck had been with the Tennessee Titans since he entered the league in 2000. By 2002, he had worked his way to a starter and became a leader on the team's defense. Last season, the Pro Bowler had 108 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions. He also suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, but had a physical and worked out with the Giants before a deal was reached.
The Giants are set to kick off their training camp on Aug. 1. Two notable dates during training camp are autograph night on Aug. 6 and Youth Day on Aug. 12. The preseason starts for the Giants on Monday, Aug. 15 with an away game against the New York Jets. It is technically an away game, but it will be played at the brand new New Meadowlands Stadium, which is the home of both teams. Because of the new stadium, New York Giants tickets are sure to be popular this season.
