Former New York Giants fullback Eli Penny announced his retirement last November but he’s not going to stay away from the game of football.
On Friday, four months after his retirement announcement, Penny was hired as the head football coach of Glenn High School.
“It’s a great occasion because I really get to coach the kids in this community that I’ve mentored or fostered (a relationship with during) my time being in college or even in the NFL with all the free camps I’ve done,” Penny said, via the Press-Telegram. “To see the same kids that were showing up to my camps and I’ll have a chance to coach them, that’s an awesome feeling.”
Penny will rely on his NFL experience to help turn around a program that hasn’t done much winning and has struggled to attract players.
“My expertise is everything that I’ve been through,” Penny said. “My journey, my knowledge, my wisdom. Things that I can share with these kids to make their path easier than what I went through coming from this city. . . I feel like the guys who do make it out and go far from here, it’s our service and it’s our job to come back and give to the kids.”
Penny originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted rookie out of Idaho in 2016. After two-plus seasons in the desert, Penny was signed to the Giants’ 53-man roster off of the Cards’ practice squad in September of 2018.
Penny remained with the Giants through the 2021 season.
In 77 career games (seven starts), Penny gained 302 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown. Impressively, the fullback never dropped a pass nor fumbled the ball.
In addition to his offensive production, Penny was also a stout special teams player who recorded 32 tackles (15 solo) and recovered two fumbles.
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