18 Years After Derek Jeter’s Touching Phone Call, Eli Manning Offers a Gift “He Always Wanted” to the New York Yankees Icon

Derek Jeter and Eli Manning have been friends for nearly two decades. In a recent episode of The Eli Manning Show, they talked about winning, their respective careers, and a lot more. Manning gave the Yankee legend a surprise present, and it was apparently something that Jeter had wanted for a while.

Both of them played their entire careers in the Bronx. Derek Jeter played with the Yankees for 20 years and Eli Manning with the New York Giants for 15 years. The two reminisced on this and more during the show.

Derek Jeter was gifted Eli Manning playing cards

The two friends discussed a number of topics, such as their first legendary phone call from 18 years ago. Furthermore, they also discussed their respective legacies and playing for one team their whole career. The two then engaged in other activities and challenges before Manning presented Jeter with a gift. 

Although neither of them won the challenge, Jeter received a present from Manning. The two-time Super Bowl winner gave Jeter a pack of Eli Manning panini playing cards.

While giving the Yankee legend the cards, Manning said “You win, guess what you win. You win some of my panini playing cards. I know, I know you’ve always wanted these. This is my whole career, each season. So I know you’ll frame that.”

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The two legends have had common aspects in their careers. Both played in the Bronx and won multiple championships for their respective teams. Jeter won 5 with the Yankees and Manning won 2 with the Giants. But perhaps the most iconic aspect of their friendship is how it all began.

How did Jeter and Manning build their close friendship?

The close friendship between these two started with an established star helping out a young prospect. Jeter mentored Manning when he was young, providing him with advice and encouragement during his rookie season. He also helped the NFL get used to the New York fans and their high expectations. 

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This has led to a long-lasting friendship between the two that has spanned nearly two decades. What do you think of the friendship between these two legends and the gift that Manning gave Jeter?