Eli Manning expects Peyton, Tom Coughlin to be Giants fans
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks on during the Giants Organized Team Activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday, June 6, 2016. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. — It’s been an offseason of transition for Eli Manning’s family and his team, but ultimately the quarterback believes that the changes will bring at least two new fans to the Giants.
Manning said he thinks the retirement of his brother Peyton and the “stepping down” of his old coach Tom Coughlin will give both of them a chance to root for him and Big Blue.
“With Peyton, he might get to come to more Giants games this year,” Manning said on Monday during an appearance at the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic at Mount Kisco Country Club. “I know he’ll be watching and rooting. He’ll get to watch more of my games. I don’t know if that’ll be good or bad. I think he might have more comments on what’s going on.”
Peyton Manning announced his retirement earlier this year after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos in February. The two brothers often have communicated during the season, and Eli said he expects those chats to become more regular . . . and more forthcoming.
“I’ll ask him more questions and I might feel free to give him some real answers,” Eli Manning said. “You’re always worried about telling him something in the past, you never know when you might reach him in a Super Bowl or play against him down the road. I don’t have to worry about that anymore. I don’t think he’s going to come out of retirement.”
As for Coughlin, Manning said he remains close to the only head coach he’s played for in the NFL.
“Obviously great respect for Coach Coughlin,” he said. “We still have a great relationship and friendship. I know he’ll be rooting for the Giants and rooting for me to do well and have a great year.”
Maybe one that will end the way Peyton’s did? Despite his retirement, Peyton Manning has been in the news lately for his visit to the White House with the Broncos last week and for collecting his Super Bowl ring. That gave each of the brothers two rings.
“I’m excited for him, but it makes you want to get back in those situations, making playoffs and opportunities to win championships,” Eli Manning said. “Those are exciting times and that’s what we’re working towards . . . These are all the spoils. It’s all fun. He sends a picture of the ring and you see it, but it’s more about the moments and being in the moments that are special.”
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
