New York Giants legend Eli Manning said 'farewell' to the NFL on Friday in the same gracious, humble way he carried himself throughout his 16-year career, thanking coaches, teammates, fans and family members for their support. 

'For most of my life most people have called me "Easy,"' the retiring quarterback said of his nickname to the assembled media at the Giants' practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 'Believe me, there is nothing easy about today.

'No one loved and appreciated being a Giant more than me. And that will never change,' the two-time Super Bowl MVP said to a crowd that included his wife Abby and four children. 

Forever known as the son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie and younger brother of NFL legend Peyton, Eli Manning made a name for himself in New York by upsetting the vaunted New England Patriots in two Super Bowls while starting 210 consecutive games at one point.