New York Giants

Eli Manning showing improved arm strength entering 12th season in NFL

Published Jun. 9, 2015 8:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

Quarterback Eli Manning is 34 years old and entering his 12th season in the NFL an with the New York Giants, but that hasn't stopped him from looking for new ways to improve. This offseason, Manning seems to have found a new routine that has helped him add more zip and strength on his deep ball. Manning outlined his plan of action to Steve Serby of the New York Post.
“Just kind of researched a little bit, got with some baseball trainers and managers, and just arm care,” Manning said, per the New York Post. “It’s not really in the football world of arm care ’cause there’s only one thrower, where in baseball … everybody’s a thrower.

“And just trying to strengthen during the offseason, a lot of rotator cuff, and warming up, the way to warm up and cool down, and just try to pick some minds and see if there’s a way to get a little more strength and endurance … and keeping it strong the whole time after four days in a row of throwing and that. I think I got a good plan that should keep it strong the whole season."
Manning believes that his new routine will not only help his arm strength immediately, but it will also help to avoid any late season fatigue.
“It feels live, it feels like it is strong, definitely has some more pop on it,” Manning said, “ and I think that’s the goal, just to keep it there for the whole season.”

The best part is that you don't even have to take Manning's word only to believe in the sudden improvement. Wide receiver Rueben Randle caught on to Manning's new tool when the Giants opened up their OTA practices.
“His arm, it seemed like it got stronger throughout the season,” Randle said, per The New York Post. “He’s never overthrown me — and he’s overthrown me twice already.”

Manning, who is known around the locker room for his classic pranks and light-hearted mindset off the field, decided to run with that quote.
“Maybe he’s getting slower," Manning quipped when he heard of Randle's comment. "Yeah, I overthrew him on a few Go routes, so I guess I got to get used to my own new strength.”

Manning may be entering 2015 at the age of 34, but he is coming off one of his best regular seasons in the NFL. Manning threw for 4,410 yards while completing 63.1 percent of his passes and compiling a 30:14 touchdown to interception ratio. With the addition of Shane Vereen and a hopefully healthy Victor Cruz, Manning and the Giants' offense as a whole can soar to new heights in 2015. They have the talent on paper to evolve into one of the NFL's elite offensive units.

(h/t New York Post)

Photo Credit: Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports