NJ/NY Gotham FC has added former Giants quarterback Eli Manning to its high-profile group of stakeholders.
The National Women’s Soccer League club, based in Harrison, announced Wednesday that Manning has joined Gotham FC as a minority owner, as has Giants senior vice president and chief commercial officer Pete Guelli. The Big Blue duo joins an ownership group that has added seven other investors this year.
“I have lived and worked in this community for almost two decades,” Manning, a Jersey resident, said in a statement. “It’s home to me, and Gotham FC is my family’s favorite soccer club. Combine that with the organization’s strong leadership, talented roster, and sustained growth, and it became clear that joining this great group was a fantastic opportunity.”
Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning gives goaltending a try while practicing with Gotham FC. Photo courtesy of Devon Cafaro/Gotham FC
Manning added that his daughters helped inspire his decision to join Gotham FC in a video released by the team.
“As a dad, I want to make sure that my daughters have all the athletic opportunities that I was blessed with,” the two-time Super Bowl champion said before announcing his ownership stake. “We’re driving what happens next in the world’s game with some of the greatest athletes in the game, and I can’t imagine what’s more exciting than being a part of that.”
Manning is far from the first superstar athlete to purchase a minority stake in Gotham FC. WNBA icon Sue Bird joined the group in July, while soccer star and Delran native Carli Lloyd and Kevin Durant’s Thirty Five Ventures are also involved.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, are also part of the team’s ownership group.
“Eli is known for the positive and influential impact he has on our communities,” Tammy Murphy, Gotham FC’s club chair, said in a statement. “His legendary work ethic, drive for success, and passion for giving back to the community will be tremendous assets for our club. Pete brings a depth of sports acumen that will bolster all we are working to achieve. It’s my honor to welcome them both to the Gotham FC family.”
A four-time Pro Bowler, Manning spent his entire 16-year NFL career with the Giants from 2004–2019. He helped New York win Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, taking home MVP honors each time. The Giants retired Manning’s No. 10 jersey in 2021.