Eli Manning Celebrated by NFL Fans for Beating Peyton in 'Kick of Destiny 3' on Video
Feb 9, 2025
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 04: The FanDuel Kick of Destiny promotion with Eli and Peyton Manning on a billboard ahead of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on February 04, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Eli Manning didn't get into the Hall of Fame this year, his first on the ballot, but he arguably cemented his legacy in an even bigger way on Sunday—he won Kick of Destiny 3 over his brother, Peyton Manning.
While both brothers badly missed their attempts from 25 yards and Peyton doinked his 20-yard attempt off the bar, Eli was good on his second try, winning the competition:
You would think Eli Manning's 3-0 record against Peyton in the Pro Bowl Games and now his contest-winning kick to beat Peyton again would swing critics to his side in the Hall of Fame vote.
Congratulations to all who put their support behind Eli in this highly-competitive, no-holds-barred kicking battle and profited.
Eli Manning Talks Hall of Fame, Giants, Arch, Super Bowl and More in B/R Interview
Feb 7, 2025
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 26: Head coach Eli Manning of the NFC looks on during practice prior to the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium on February 1, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Eli Manning may have fallen just short of being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
But he still feels like he's part of the 2025 class in his own way.
"I competed against Jared Allen, so I feel like I was very helpful in getting him to the Hall of Fame just because he sacked me so many times," he told Bleacher Report on Friday while laughing. "So I feel like in some way I'm a part of this class. I also went against Antonio Gates and watched his career unfold in unbelievable fashion."
Manning was one of the 15 modern-era player finalists announced in December, although Allen, Gates, Sterling Sharpe and Eric Allen were the only four selected in the smallest class since 2005.
It is a testament to Manning's career that he was named a finalist in his first year of eligibility, which is a promising sign he will eventually be selected.
The discussion and debate surrounding his initial chances dominated the news cycle for this year's selection process. On the one hand, he was 117-117 and never made an All-Pro Team during his career while sometimes being overshadowed by other quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers and his brother, Peyton.
On the other hand, he played 16 years as the face of the New York Giants in the country's largest media market and sits in 11th place on the NFL's all-time list for passing yards (57,023) and passing touchdowns (366).
Manning was also a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP, which was the centerpiece of his candidacy. After all, they were not just any Super Bowls, as he defeated Brady and the dominant New England Patriots twice.
One of those times came when he ended their undefeated 2007 season.
The Patriots entered Super Bowl XLII undefeated, but that ended with some help from Eli Manning and David Tyree's helmet. 😤 @Giantspic.twitter.com/MA9SUX4evG
While he surely appreciates those who advocated for him, he wanted to keep the focus on those who were honored and said, "I'm happy for the four guys who got in. All of these guys are very deserving, and I'm happy for them and their families."
With the Hall of Fame selection now in the rearview mirror, attention across the league turns to Sunday's Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City is looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Lombardi Trophies, which would further cement Patrick Mahomes as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play.
There may be nobody better suited to give advice to an NFC East team facing an ongoing dynasty with a legend at quarterback than Manning, but he doesn't think the Eagles need any pep talks in what will be a Super Bowl rematch from two seasons ago.
"These guys don't need any advice," he said. "They've been to this big game, they know the circumstances. They've played against the Chiefs and had them on the ropes a few years ago in the Super Bowl. Obviously they made an impressive deal in free agency in getting Saquon Barkley, and I think he can be the difference-maker this year. He's had an unbelievable season, and I think he's going to break one late in the game for the Eagles to get this win."
Manning was one of the first NFL players to see what Barkley is capable of since they were teammates on the Giants for the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. All Barkley did in that first season together was win the Offensive Rookie of the Year with 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns.
"He's going to have a big game," Manning said. "I know [Chiefs defensive coordinator] Steve Spagnuolo is trying to draw up some defenses to slow him down and not let him take over this game, but that's easier said than done. It only takes a little room for him to get going."
The Chiefs defense against Barkley may be the matchup to watch in the Super Bowl, but there is another one to pay attention to before the game even kicks off.
After improving to 3-0 against his brother in the Pro Bowl Games by coaching the NFC to yet another victory in last Sunday's matchup, Eli will face Peyton once again in the FanDuel Kick of Destiny 3 during Fox's pregame coverage.
The Manning brothers will square off in a 25-yard field goal kicking competition, which gives fans the chance to win a share of $10 million in bonus bets if they back the right one.
"I think it definitely gives me a mental edge," he said of the momentum generated in the sibling rivalry from the Pro Bowl Games. "I think Peyton's kind of down, he's been moping around a bit the last few days. The loss is weighing on him a little bit. I know he's been working hard trying to get revenge in the Kick of Destiny, but I just don't think he's ready. I don't think he's mentally tough enough to handle this scenario."
In addition to the Kick of Destiny, Manning partnered with Verizon as part of its Super Bowl campaign. That campaign included the "House of Verizon" in New Orleans, which will have musical performances by T-Pain and Doechii, food, a bowling challenge, and an opportunity for fans to win Super Bowl LIX tickets.
"I've been associated with Verizon for a long time, and I'm really just grateful for everything they do for NFL fans," Manning said. "Whether you're at the stadium or you're at home, they just help everyone stay connected. They've also invested significantly in my hometown of New Orleans this Super Bowl week to make sure everybody has wonderful coverage."
Verizon is going beyond just New Orleans, though, with the Verizon Super Bowl FanFest in all 30 NFL cities. Fans will have the chance to watch the big game inside of the various NFL stadiums during events that will also feature music, food and appearances by players.
"The Super Bowl is a national holiday now, everyone is always asking, 'Hey, where are you going for the game?' Imagine going to the stadium in your local city and being on the field and watching the Super Bowl with food and drinks with live entertainment," Manning said.
Unfortunately for Giants fans, the FanFest will be the closest they have gotten to the Super Bowl since Manning was under center.
They are coming off a 3-14 season and have won just one playoff game since lifting the Lombardi Trophy to end the 2011 campaign. They also went through a quarterback carousel in 2024 with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle, which is not exactly a list of superstar difference-makers.
New York's quarterback position is under the spotlight this offseason after moving on from Jones in particular, and that could mean selecting a signal-caller with the No. 3 overall pick of the draft. If Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are still available, the Giants could look to pair one of them with star receiver Malik Nabers for years to come.
"They need a quarterback, and they've got to make a decision whether there is a quarterback to take in the No. 3 spot or whether they get a veteran," Manning said. "Maybe both might be the solution because I know it is hard for a rookie quarterback to come into that New York market and have success early. Dealing with that does take a little bit of time.
"Everybody wants that Jayden Daniels, but that just doesn't happen that often where a quarterback comes in and makes such an immediate impact on the way to the playoffs. If they feel like there is one this year then they'll go and take that one."
The best quarterback prospect from the college game might not even be eligible for the 2025 draft.
After all, Arch Manning was the No. 1 overall prospect in the recruiting class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings. While the nephew of Eli and Peyton was a factor in Texas' offensive approach at times this past season and even started two games, he has largely waited his turn behind Quinn Ewers.
Now he is set to take over as the starter of a national championship contender in 2025, although he will immediately be put to the test with a road showdown against the reigning national champion in Ohio State in the opener.
"I'm happy for Arch, I know he's excited to take over the reins for the Longhorns this year," Manning said. "I'm just proud of how he's handled everything these past few years in learning and being prepared and being ready and just waiting for his time. I know he's excited, and I'm proud of him for how he's handled everything.
"But it's not an easy way to get your first game of the season to face the defending champions at their place. It should be an awesome college atmosphere."
It might just be an atmosphere that helps prepare him to become the next great Manning in the NFL.
Peyton, Eli Manning Named HCs for 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games; Full Staffs Announced
Jan 22, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 20: Former Indianapolis Colts player, Peyton Manning, looks on prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Peyton and Eli Manning have been named as the coaches for the Pro Bowl Games' AFC and NFC teams, respectively.
The NFL revealed the Manning brothers' teams Wednesday alongside their four-man coaching staffs.
The NFL Pro Bowl Games will return to Orlando on Thursday, January 30 with the Skills Showdown from 7-8:30 p.m. ET. ESPN will air the event.
The Sunday Pro Bowl Games Championship, featuring AFC vs. NFC flag football, will take place on Sunday, February 2 beginning at 3 p.m. ESPN and ABC will air the games.
The Manning brothers also coached the AFC and NFC teams in last year's Pro Bowl Games. Eli Manning's NFC squad beat Peyton Manning's AFC team, 64-59.
NFL Legend Peyton Manning Trolls Cowboys' Jerry Jones on Video at 2024 CMA Awards
Nov 21, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 20: EDITORIAL USE ONLY (L-R) Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning speak onstage during The 58th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 20, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
If Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones thought he could enjoy country music's biggest night in peace, he was sorely mistaken.
During the CMA Awards on Wednesday night, hosts Peyton Manning, Lainey Wilson and Luke Bryan made a reference to "Cowboys Cry Too," Kelsea Ballerini's hit song with Noah Kahan.
"But enough about Jerry Jones," Manning then quipped.
The Cowboys are riding a five-game losing streak and sit third in the NFC East at 3-7. Dallas hasn't been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but the odds are so low as to be almost impossible at this point.
The schadenfreude levels are off the charts. Fans have become used to reveling in the franchise's inevitable collapse in the postseason. Now, they get to bask in what could be the Cowboys' worst campaign in nearly a decade.
Jones better prepare himself now. There are still weeks and probably months of jokes at Dallas' expense ahead.
Golf fans hungry for some high-stakes action will be in for a treat over the next two days. TNT Sports' The Match returns with The Match: Superstars, a…
Video: Tom Brady Compares Jared Goff's Lions to Peyton Manning-Era Colts Teams
Nov 6, 2024
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 03: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks to throw a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a game at Lambeau Field on November 03, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Tom Brady had a first-hand look at the Detroit Lions when he called Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers for Fox, and he had quite the comparison for the NFC North team's offense in the aftermath.
"I would say the early [Indianapolis] Colts offenses we faced," he said when asked during a discussion with Colin Cowherd if he ever faced an offense as loaded as Detroit's during his playing career.
.@TomBrady shares his comp for this year's Detroit Lions 👀
He also explained that then-New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick always stressed red-zone defense going into games against those Peyton Manning-led Colts teams because he knew they would move the ball during the course of the game with talent that included the likes of Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James and others.
Manning quarterbacked the Colts for 13 seasons from 1998 to 2010 and led them to 11 playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi Trophy.
It was an impressive run, but it also fell short of Brady's Patriots considering they went to four Super Bowls and won three of them during that span. Brady won six Lombardi Trophies in all during his time with the Patriots, while Manning added a second one later in his career on the Denver Broncos.
Jared Goff and the Lions certainly hope they don't consistently fall just short of a Super Bowl like those Colts teams did so many times, especially after reaching the NFC Championship Game last season just to lose a lead to the San Francisco 49ers.
But they have the talent to go all the way this season with Goff surrounded by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and others.
That group has largely overwhelmed opponents this season and leads the league with 32.3 points per game.
Opposing defenses can't realistically expect to stop the Lions and may need to focus on just containing them when they reach the red zone. That is what Belichick did against the Manning-led Colts, and the result was plenty of championships.
Eli Manning Trolls Arch, Peyton Manning for Having Best CFB Debut Stats in Family
Sep 24, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 02: Peyton Manning (L) and Eli Manning attend DIRECTV'S Seventh Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl at DTV SuperFan Stadium at Mardi Gras World on February 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images For DirecTV)
Eli Manning has bragging rights over the rest of his family for having the best performance in his first college start after Arch Manning made his long-awaited debut as Texas' No. 1 quarterback in Saturday's 51-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe.
Responding to a post on X showing the stat lines for all four Manning quarterbacks in their first college starts, Eli wrote, "I win!"
Archie was at a disadvantage because he played at a time when passing wasn't as big of a factor as it would become even when Peyton and Eli were in college. He did manage to throw for 116 yards and two scores with an interception in a 21-7 win over Memphis State on Sept. 21, 1968.
Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer kept the training wheels on Peyton in his first start. He finished 7-of-14 for 79 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 10-9 win over Washington State.
Arch had some good and bad moments in Saturday's win. The 19-year-old finished 15-of-29 for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He had a huge margin of error because the Longhorns are significantly more talented than Louisiana-Monroe, and it showed in the 497-111 advantage they had in total yards.
Eli, who is the only one of his brothers to play at his father's alma mater, picked apart Murray State's defense in the first game of the 2001 season. He completed 21 of 23 attempts for 271 yards and five touchdowns.
That wouldn't be Eli's best game that year. He threw a school-record six touchdowns in a 58-56 seven-overtime loss to Arkansas. Matt Corral tied the record by throwing for six scores in the Rebels' victory over Vanderbilt during the 2020 season.
Considering the previous generations of Manning quarterbacks were all first-round draft picks—Archie was the lowest pick of the bunch, going No. 2 overall in 1971—Arch has a lot to live up to going forward.
Fortunately, there is still plenty of time for Arch to keep improving his game to add another long chapter to the book about the Manning family quarterbacks.
Video: Peyton, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan React to Saquon's Drop, Kirk Cousins' GW Drive
Sep 17, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before kickoff against the Philadelphia Eagles during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Peyton Manning and Eli Manning went through it on the ManningCast broadcast as Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dropped a pass that would've resulted in a pivotal first down in Monday's 22-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Peyton got up from his chair as Eli went full "surrender cobra" as the ball fell to the turf. Former Falcons star Matt Ryan, on the other hand, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
The three retired quarterbacks also provided insight throughout Atlanta's game-winning drive, and Peyton's competitive juices were flowing as Atlanta's Kirk Cousins marched the offense down the field without any timeouts.
Barkley had another strong performance in his second game with Philly. He ran for 95 yards on 22 carries and caught four passes for 21 yards. The drop is the one thing people will remember, though.
"I let my team down today," he told reporters. "I shouldn't have put the defense in that position. If I make the catch, the game is over."
It was a much different story on the other sideline.
The Falcons' comeback changed the conversation around Cousins in a big way. The four-time Pro Bowler simply didn't look to be 100 percent in Week 1, his first start back from his torn Achilles, and Atlanta's offense couldn't get much going in the first half.
It's too early to call this a season-defining win or a turning point for the Falcons. Their next three games are against the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and that stretch will offer a much better barometer for how Atlanta's campaign will unfold.
In terms of Monday night's matchup, the ManningCast offered a good representation of how neutral observers were reacting to the late swings in momentum.
Peyton, Eli Manning Trolled By CFB Fans After Arch's Rushing TD for Texas vs. UTSA
Sep 15, 2024
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 14: Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns warms up before the game against the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning may have been known for their passing abilities, but on Saturday night all focus was on their nephew's run game.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, playing in relief for starter Quinn Ewers on Saturday, ran for a 67-yard touchdown against UTSA.
ARCH MANNING TAKES IT A CAREER LONG 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 😱
Peyton Manning mentioned his nephew's running ability in a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
"My dad's speed and athletic ability kind of skipped a generation," Peyton Manning said. "It went to him. It did not come to me and Eli. So he can run, he can move."
The Manning brothers have been giving similar comments for years. Eli Manning said after Arch committed to Texas in 2022 that the then-high school student was "more athletic than Peyton or I."
"Maybe a little bit bigger than Peyton or I, and so I think he's got the ability to scramble around and run around— probably more similar to my dad (Archie) than Peyton or I," Eli Manning said.
Fans will have to wait a few more years to see if Manning is able to translate his rushing abilities to the NFL.
Manning, who is currently in his redshirt freshman season after appearing in two games for the Longhorns in 2023, is eligible for the 2026 NFL draft at the earliest.
The NFL is about to give Arch Manning a fake ID like he’s McLovin to get him in the 2025 QB class
Heading into Saturday, Manning had made one appearance for the Longhorns in relief of Ewers this season. Head coach Steve Sarkisian could take his rushing abilities into consideration when deploying him later this season.
Cowboys' Dak Prescott: CeeDee Lamb and I 'Can Be Better' Duo Than Montana-Rice, More
Sep 13, 2024
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - JANUARY 08: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown with Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 08, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott believes that he and CeeDee Lamb can eventually become a better duo than players like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison or Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, to name a few.
"I feel like we can be better than all of them," he said Friday on the I Am Athlete podcast (17:30 mark). "I know CeeDee has the same expectations, and that's the communications that we have. That's the work that we put into this. We didn't make it if we are Montana and Rice, we only made it if we're the best versions of ourselves and we bring this organization something that it hasn't had in a long time, and that's the Super Bowl, and we put up numbers that have never been done before."
There are several factors to consider when discussing the greatest quarterback-receiver combos of all time.
The first is one that Prescott mentioned, titles. Montana and Rice won two of those together. Prescott and Lamb, meanwhile, won just one playoff game in their first four seasons as a duo. They have enormous work to do there, especially considering that Prescott only won two playoff games in the first eight seasons of his career.
In fact, the duos that won the most Super Bowl titles together were actually Terry Bradshaw-Lynn Swann, Bradshaw-John Stallworth and Montana-Mike Wilson, all with four. Tom Brady-Julian Edelman and Troy Aikman-Michael Irvin were among the duos with three titles.
The next criteria would be stats. In that regard, nobody comes particularly close to Manning and Harrison, who combined 953 times for 12,766 yards and 112 touchdowns. The receptions and yards are NFL records for a duo, while the touchdowns trail only the pair of Steve Young and Rice (119).
Where the Manning-Harrison and Young-Rice combinations fall short compared to other duos, however, is titles. Both managed just one Super Bowl ring together. They did, however, win plenty of playoff games.
There's no doubt that Prescott and Lamb have a special partnership and are one of the NFL's most potent statistical duos. They have a lot of work to do before they become one of the truly legendary duos in NFL history, however, and Prescott knows it.
"I owe so much to the city of Dallas," he said Friday. "I want to be able to deliver my end of the deal, and bring this city, bring the Joneses, bring the Cowboys organization a Super Bowl that's long overdue. ... I have no doubt that it will eventually happen, so I hope that my career is defined by that."
