When news broke Thursday that Peyton Manning is out for at least two to three months — and possibly the season — after another neck surgery, younger brother Eli of the Giants felt it was finally his time to be the league’s top Manning. However, Eli was against relegated to the No. 2 spot in the NFL’s hierarchy of Manning quarterbacks a few hours later when the Colts announced they had signed Archie Manning, the former Pro Bowl QB and Peyton and Eli’s father.
“Here I hoped this was finally my moment to shine,” said Eli. “But then Dad comes along and steals my thunder. It’s always something with this family.”
While Peyton rested comfortably following his third neck surgery, his 62-year-old father was taking snaps at Colts camp, where he is projected to challenge current starter Kerry Collins for the team’s top spot.
“It’s just great to be back in an NFL uniform,” Archie said during practice, throwing balls to receivers with a zip not normally seen on Eli’s tosses. “I’m looking forward to proving to everyone that this old dog can still hunt, especially when compared to my youngest boy, who somehow has a Super Bowl title under his belt even though no one is quite sure how he’s ever made an NFL roster.”
Article idea and image: Pat Lamorte
