Eli Manning wants credit for Peyton Manning making the Hall of Fame
Eli Manning wants credit for his brother, Peyton Manning, making it to the NFL Hall of Fame. Prior to his older brother’s enshrinement in Canton, Manning took us on a trip down memory lane.
“Yo Peyt. I know we got the Hall of Fame coming up this weekend, and I’m super excited to be there to celebrate this great honor with you,” said the former New York Giants quarterback. “I’m excited for your speech, I’ve been thinking about it…”
“If uh … the fact that I had to go outside, in New Orleans, from the ages of 10 to 14, in the summer, on our front street, wearing a sweatshirt filled with pillows. Up and down my sleeves and my chest so I could catch passes from you and wouldn’t come in totally bruised and for days after, all those times,” recalled Eli.
“If that is not mentioned in your speech and I am not personally thanked for that, I’m gonna be a little disappointed. I mean, you threw for 535 touchdowns. I think if I didn’t do that all those times, you don’t throw over 535 touchdowns . . . that’s how important that was to you.”
It’s understandable why younger brother Eli wants his credit. If he wasn’t around as a target for his older brother, who knows if Peyton would’ve made it as far as he did.
Hopefully, Peyton mentions the hilarious story in his Hall of Fame speech. If not, it may be awkward between the two while they watch Monday Night Football together this fall.
Peyton Manning has jokes too
While his younger brother may not have fond memories of playing wide receiver for Peyton, Brandon Stokely does. Before he’s immortalized in Canton, Manning joined Stokely on his podcast to joke about his Hall of Fame bust.
“As far as the bust, I flew to Utah and had to sit with this guy for about seven hours,” Peyton said. “I don’t know if mine took longer because of my big forehead, Stoke? Or if seven hours is the norm.
“It’s a lot of forehead and a lot of neck that they had to incorporate and it’s a lot more clay, but seven hours, it’s a long time. I remember in the first 30 minutes, the sculptor, he’s a great guy, but he’s like, ‘so, when you were calling an audible, what were you looking for there.’
“I was like, ‘wow, I don’t know if I can handle seven hours of this.’ I told the guy, I said, ‘Blair, listen, I’m content to sit here for seven hours in total silence.’”
If Peyton’s comments prior to his enshrinement are any indication, his speech will be must-see television. While Eli may joke like his brother, he’s proud as anyone of watching the ride.
“In all seriousness, congratulations, proud of you,” said Eli Manning. “No one deserves this more.”
Image courtesy of Gary Gershoff / Stringer via Getty Images