Giants’ Manning Ready to Move On After Inking Extension

Fortunately for the Giants, they seem to have a quarterback who has a good head on his shoulders. It's a rare thing when a player seems completely unaffected by a six-year contract worth an astounding $97.5 million.

Eli Manning signed a big, brand new extension on Friday morning and now he's ready to stop talking about it and move on with his preparation for the 2009 season.

"It's good to just get it out of the way," Manning told the New York Daily News.

The 28-year-old quarterback won't go about this season any differently than his past five. A new contract doesn't mean new pressures, at least for him.

"My job is to play quarterback for the New York Giants and try to win games," he told the newspaper. "Nothing's changed. My responsibility hasn't changed. I'm trying to go out there, do my part and play well and lead this team."

The Ole Miss product, who was drafted by the Chargers in 2004 before being swapped in exchange for Philip Rivers, has made a home for himself in New York. Winning a Super Bowl will do that for you.

And he's happy to know that the Big Apple is where his home will be for the next seven years. That — not the money — is the best part of his new contract.

"I'm happy to be here," he said. "This is where I wanted to be. The Giants are one of the greatest organizations in the NFL. It's an honor to be a part of the Giants and play quarterback in New York. I've worked hard to try to become a better player and done everything to help out the Giants, and I'm glad to know that I'll be here for six, seven more years."