Mariano Rivera was the Giants' honorary captain for their game against the Cowboys

Former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera smiles during the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (Bill Kostroun/AP)

By Ben Cosman

December 11, 2016

Being a retired baseball player comes with certain privileges. You're afforded a certain position of esteem, especially if you're a legend like Mariano Rivera. On Sunday night, Rivera -- who celebrated his 47th birthday a few days ago -- exercised those privileges, serving as honorary captain for the New York Giants ahead of their game against the Cowboys.
Donning a No. 10 Eli Manning jersey (his No. 42 is retired by the Giants in honor of Charlie Conerly), Rivera performed traditional captain duties, like taking part in the coin toss and helping out with a new Giants tradition for 2016:

Mariano Rivera rings the bell!!! @Yankees 🏈📢🐐 pic.twitter.com/1vQCIE2uLc
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 12, 2016

It wasn't the first time Rivera has been an honorary captain for the Giants, but with the tall task of playing the 11-1 Cowboys facing them, Rivera certainly seemed happy to help the team out:

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New York Yankees