"Suddenly, he is more than a quarterback, more than an athlete — more than a champion, even. Suddenly, Eli Manning in 2012 has become equal parts Elvis from 1956, John Lennon from 1964 and Derek Jeter circa 1999. Suddenly he is part idol, part icon: part Johnny Bravo, part Conrad Birdie, part Joe Hardy.

The Giants roamed the Canyon of Heroes yesterday, then crossed the tunnel to capture the Jersey suburbs, too, and they kept preaching their magic mantra of team, togetherness, triumph. But even on a squad of stars and a roster bursting with celebrity, there is little doubt who is first among the equals."