Eli Manning Posts Emotional Tribute Reflecting on the 2012 Chitauri Invasion of NYC
NFL legend and two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning took to social media this morning to post a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes of what he calls "one of the most terrifying days in New York history": the 2012 Chitauri invasion.
“What a scary time to be a New Yorker,” Manning wrote. “I didn’t actually live in the city, I was in Jersey, watching it on TV. But still, those alien sky monsters were really scary. Shoutout to the brave men and women who protected the city and also the wizard guy, even though he scares me almost as much as the alien sky monsters.”
Manning, who was the starting quarterback for the New York Giants during the alien siege, commonly referred to as "The Battle of New York", has frequently spoken out over the years about the need to remember the event, which he says "doesn’t get the same press as 9/11, mostly because the Hulk knocked down so many buildings just by helping too much.”
In a now-deleted follow up post, Eli elaborated:
“It’s a complicated legacy. Hulk was just doing his best, but he smashed, like, twelve buildings just throwing the giant sky snakes around. Still, a win’s a win.”
Manning recalled the experience vividly, “I didn’t see it in person,” he explained, “but I saw it on the TV. There were giant flying snake dragons, evil alien gun men, and a mean wizard who zapped the human wizard. I think the portal opened up in the sky above a shawarma restaurant I ate at once. Peyton told me not to watch the footage because it would give me nightmares. But I’m this many now. I can stream the news on Disney+ dad says.”
Despite not being directly involved in the battle, Eli famously lobbied for the Giants to honor the Avengers with dedicated tribute games throughout the 2012 NFL season. "We wanted to honor the heroes... and also I really wanted to meet the Machine Man."
His statement concluded with a heartfelt thank-you to Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
“God bless the Avengers,” Eli said. “Iron Dude was awesome with the flying and the laser hands. American Guy was maybe my favorite, love his shield, very America. Spider Friend is cool too. Hammer Bro really brought the thunder. Arrow Man I could do without. I just don’t get why he doesn’t use a gun. Seems easier. But I’m not a superhero, so I have to trust in his training.”
However, Manning had less praise for the wizards involved in the battle.
“I don’t like the Wizard Man,” he admitted. “Too spooky. Peyton says I can’t watch wizard stuff ‘cause I’ll have nightmares again. Same reason I’m not allowed to watch that Hoke Us Poke Us anymore.”
Though his memory of the event may be shaky, Manning’s devotion to the people and heroes of New York remains strong.
“Never forget,” he wrote. “The city, the heroes, the big snakes, and the big green man who saved us... and also accidentally crushed an entire mid-town Courtyard Marriott in the process. Thank you for your service too though green friend. We all make mistakes”
