Retirement involves a difficult adjustment period due to the loss of the intense, competitive environment and the camaraderie of the locker room.

“it's not hard like a grueling way it's hard there's no stats there's no well there are stats like you guys are killing it but you also care I care if people like your show”

Athletes should focus on their primary job of playing football as it provides the platform for all future opportunities.

“what's going to bring all that to you is football i'm sorry to say but that is what gives you the platform so focus on that and if you're great at that it just opens the door for so many other things and relationships that help your life”

He finds that spending time with his children and observing their personal growth is a rewarding experience.

“I didn't ever I throughout my career, I never had this much time so I I can go just hang out with them. Like I could go eat lunch at school with my daughters. Like that's the coolest thing ever.”

Eli Manning believes it is easier to enjoy retirement if the player decides to end their career on their own terms rather than feeling pushed out.

“If you kind of got to end it on your own terms and say, "Hey, I'm I'm ready to be done. I've played enough and like I don't want to play football anymore." It's easier to sit on the couch and watch the games. If you kind of get retired where you want to keep playing, no one wants you to play anymore”