Meet the Mannings

On the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, I was at the Manning Passing Academy. For fourteen years, high school football players have burnished their skills with help from the Mannings. (Archie, Peyton, Eli and Cooper). In addition to the Mannings, this year, notable college quarterbacks were instructors. Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tyrod Taylor were in attendance. Needless to say, this camp had top notch teachers. Because I had a media credential, unfettered, I was able to roam around the entire practice facility. After 15 minutes, I found Eli Manning on the last practice field. He was modeling a five step drop. After being in the sultry Louisiana heat for a couple of hours, the highlight of the day was the press conference. From my notes, here is the highlights:

Archie Manning: It was Peyton's idea to create this football camp. Archie enjoys spending time with his boys. For the entire camp which is four days and 3 nights, the Mannings stay on campus and sleep in the same room.

Peyton Manning: He enjoys coming to the camp. He enjoys providing the kids with drills to make them better players.

On Steve McNair: Peyton called his untimely death a "terrible loss".

Peyton is going to miss Marvin Harrison. Earlier in his career, he leaned on Harrison. Recalling his first pass in the NFL, he threw a flat 5 yard completion to Marvin who took it 48 yards for a touchdown.

He was asked how many more years does he want to play? Peyton exclaimed he is entering his 12th year. As long as he plays at a high level, he will continue to play. He has not thought about retiring.

I asked Peyton. What do you think about the NFL expanding to a 18 game season?

He looked me directly in the eye. No. I do not like the idea. Although he has no control over the decision, he thinks 16 games is just right.

Eli Manning:

I asked Eli the following question:

In 2007, the Giants were 12th in the NFL in Red Zone TD percentage and in 2008 they dropped to 20th. Is it play calling? Too many negative plays? What is going on?

We are not executing in the Red Zone. During the off season, coaches and players have talked about ways of improving in this area. He did tell me losing Plaxico Burress was a factor. Without Plaxico, a fade pass was not an option.

This year, he is excited about playing the Saints in the Superdome.

He likes coming to the camp because it reminds him of why he got started in football.
Furthermore, this camp helps him prepare for training camp which will begin in three weeks.

When the press conference was over, media was allowed a few minutes to speak with anyone involved in the camp. Much to my surprise, Eli Manning had only one reporter asking him questions. After this reporter was done, I asked Eli the following question.

Watching you practice, you have a cannon arm.
Was the wind the main reason you did not perform well against Philadelphia in the
NFC Divisional playoff game? Is this the reason you could not throw a tight spiral?

Although wind is always a factor, wind was not the reason. I then asked him Coach Coughlin stated accuracy was the problem?

He did not play well and the team did not play well. This is the reason they lost.

To sum up my experience, the Mannings have class. They are fine gentlemen. Peyton is gregarious. He has a fantastic deal of stage presence. Nevertheless, this is the reason he has become the face of the NFL. Indeed, I felt his strong leadership energy in the room. On the other hand, Eli has a quiet confidence. After engaging with Eli, now I know why Ernie Accorsi fell in love with him. He is a wonderful man. He is not a prima donna. He is smart, thoughtful, and a heck of a football player.


P.S.

I plan on posting audio of the press conference as well as pictures. Moreover, I was on ESPN Radio 1490 KJIN talking about the Mannings, Giants, and the NFL. I hope to have this on my blog soon.