Eli Manning reveals he never rode the subway for fear of being pushed in front of a train

Eli Manning, a former professional American football quarterback, spent his entire 16-year career with the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL), from 2004 to 2019. Throughout this period, Manning never utilized public transportation in New York City, specifically the subway system. In a recent episode of ManningCast, a show he hosts with his brother Peyton Manning, Eli revealed that he had just taken the subway for the first time, which garnered surprise from Peyton, who expected his brother to be more integrated with the local community during his extensive career in the area. During the discussion, Eli Manning explained that, despite living in New Jersey and not having a need to commute via subway, he was contractually barred from using the subway for reasons pertaining to safety. He humorously commented that there was a fear he could be 'pushed in front of a train.' This revelation indicates the heightened precautions taken by professional sports teams to protect their star players from potential injuries that could arise in everyday situations. It is not uncommon for NFL teams to have contractual clauses that limit players' activities outside of football to mitigate risks that could lead to serious injuries. These stipulations often target recreational activities seen as dangerous, such as riding motorcycles, skiing, or engaging in extreme sports. Eli's situation reflects a broader trend within professional sports where athletes are heavily monitored and restricted in their personal lives to maintain optimal performance levels and ensure team interests are prioritized. This policy aligns with the NFL's historical approach to safeguarding players, especially those in key positions who are vital to the teams' prospects. The prohibition on subway rides, while it may initially seem excessive, is rooted in a culture of risk aversion that has evolved over the years as teams seek to avoid any preventable harm to their players. Eli Manning's candid commentary brings to light the often unseen protocols that professionals like him must adhere to while also highlighting the cultural disconnect - despite living in New York City for years, the practicalities of his profession kept him away from a quintessential part of urban life.