Peyton is one proud big brother
GLENDALE, Ariz. – On the field, Peyton Manning is one of the NFL’s cooler heads.
He was anything but calm as he watched kid brother Eli lead the New York Giants to a 17-14 victory over heavily favored New England in the Super Bowl on Sunday night.
As the amazing upset unfolded on the field below him, television cameras caught Peyton Manning pumping his fist and acting like a fan in a sports bar.
“You sort of play the game as you are up there watching, but you are pulling so hard for Eli,” Peyton Manning said. “I was pumped, and I got a lot of messages telling me to calm down because I was excited and pumped after the big plays he was making.”
One year ago in Miami, Peyton Manning was the MVP of Indianapolis’ Super Bowl victory over Chicago. Twelve months later it was Eli’s turn after he completed 19 of 34 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive 13-yarder to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds to play.
“Being in the league 10 years, you certainly don’t take it for granted,” Peyton Manning said. “I am really proud and happy for my brother.
“This has been Eli’s year. I am proud to have been here tonight. I am proud to be his brother and I love him very much.”
Taylor honored
Miami defensive end Jason Taylor honored as the Walter Payton Man of the Year in a pregame ceremony. Taylor, who received the award from Payton’s widow, Connie, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Taylor, the Dolphins’ career sack leader and six-time Pro Bowl player, established the Jason Taylor Foundation in 2004 with a mission to create programs that assist needy South Florida children. In 2007, the foundation started the “Jason Taylor Reading Room” in Miramar, Fla. to address illiteracy among inner-city youth.
Extra points
With the victory, the Giants become the eighth NFL franchise to win three or more Super Bowls. … New York joins the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers as the only teams to win three playoff road games and then win the Super Bowl. The Giants won their final 11 games away from the Meadowlands in 11 different venues. … New York City will honor the Super Bowl champion New York Giants with a ticker-tape parade Tuesday that will end with a ceremony at City Hall Plaza.