Man, Oh, Man, The Manning Family Wishes The Public Would Forget These Instances
While every family has its share of issues and scandals they'd like to sweep under the rug, not every family is a football dynasty like the Mannings. And as much as they'd like, the public isn't soon to forget a few dark stains that have happened on and off the field.
From Peyton's not-so-pretty last year on the field to the infamous "Manning Bowl" between brothers, here are a few instances the Manning family would like everyone to forget.
Peyton's Pick Six In Super Bowl XLIV
While Peyton Manning has many things to be proud of in his storied NFL career, the infamous pass he made during Super Bowl XLIV isn't one of them. Fans believed the Colts would win it all, but Peyton made a whirlwind throw that ended in a disaster he probably wishes to forget.
His throw wound up in the hands of New Orleans Saints player Tracy Porter. The interception resulted in a touchdown, winning the Saints the Super Bowl.
Archie's 125-172 Touchdown: Interception Ratio
Archie Manning, aka the patriarch of the Manning clan, is the former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Back in the '70s, he'd be the playmaker, hoping to bring the team a winning season.
Well, no matter how many games he won, Archie is arguably best known for his end-of-career 125-172 touchdown: interception ratio. Whether it's the '70s or today, that ratio isn't good by anyone's standards, and Archie, and his football dynasty of a family, probably wishes it would snap out of existence.
Peyton's Not-So-Pretty Final Year
Arguably one of the most well-liked players to ever come out of the NFL, Peyton Manning had a solid 17-year career in the NFL before retirement. Sadly, he probably wishes people would forget about his final season.
As the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton wound up starting only nine games of his final season in 2015 and had a dismal nine to 17 touchdown to interception ratio by the time he hung up his jersey for the final time.
Eli Leading The NFL In Turnovers
A career as an NFL quarterback wasn't exactly smooth sailing for Eli Manning. While the youngest Manning had some good seasons and even two Super Bowl wins with the New York Giants, people tend to remember some rather unfortunate stats.
During his career, Eli led the league in turnovers not once but three times. His highest was a solid 32 turnovers in 2013. That dark stain on his Giants legacy is probably something he wishes people would toss from their minds.
Eli Getting Called Out For Not Visiting Plaxico Burress In Jail
For years, Plaxico Burress was Eli Manning's go-to man. He was one of the most reliable wide receivers on the New York Giants. Then, after a slew of legal trouble, he wound up in jail.
The Manning family would probably like the public to forget that Eli's former teammate called him out for not visiting him in jail; Eli never even sent a letter! For the years they spent on the field together, that's pretty cold.
Peyton's Horrible Super Bowl XLVIII Game
Super Bowl XLVIII was supposed to be a sweep, with the Denver Broncos defeating the Seattle Seahawks. They had the defense and the manpower to make it happen. That is, if their quarterback didn't choke.
That Super Bowl, Peyton Manning had one of the worst games of his career. It resulted in his team's loss of the title and him probably wishing people would completely forget Super Bowl XLVIII ever happened.
Eli Being "Average"
Growing up next to the likes of Peyton Manning, getting called "average" probably gets to a person after a little while. And that one word is probably something Eli Manning wishes people would drop from their vocabulary.
While Peyton is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game, Eli has been cited as being average, at best. Well, at least average managed to get him two Super Bowl wins during his career, right?
Peyton's Notoriously Horrible Post-Season Games
Even though Peyton Manning's a two-time Super Bowl champion, it doesn't detract from the fact that his post-season game was sub-par at best. Of course, that little tidbit is something he probably wishes football fans would forget now that he's retired.
Even so, it's hard to forget how he struggled to get his team through January. While he brought his team to 15 playoff games, they lost nine of the first-round games. He's the only NFL quarterback to lose that many first-found games.
Peyton's Rookie Season Record With The Colts
After being draft to the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, Peyton Manning came out of the tunnel with something to prove. In his rookie season, Peyton was named to the NFL All-Rookie First Team and broke five rookie records.
Unfortunately, all of that is a bit overshadowed by the fact that he led the team to a horrible 3-13 record. He probably wishes people remembered the good things instead of the bad!
Peyton Rocking His Dad Bod
Peyton Manning, aka "the Sheriff," might be considered one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time, but that doesn't mean the former Colts player is the most athletic man out there.
In fact, it's no secret that Peyton rocks a bit of a "dad bod," complete with a lack of a tan, something he probably wishes the general public would stop commenting on. While he's had this body type for years, he's in retirement mode now!
The Infamous Manning Bowl
If there is anything the Manning family wishes people to forget, it's probably the infamous Manning Bowl. The Manning Bowl was the name of the game whenever Peyton and Eli were pitted against one another, something that happened three times.
The reason the Manning family, primarily Eli, would want to forget these games ever occurred is because his older brother, Peyton, ran the show, helping his team secure all three wins.
Peyton Not Doing Too Hot Against Tom Brady
Throughout his career, Peyton Manning took the field alongside another great NFL quarterback, Tom Brady. And while their "rivalry" for who the greatest of all time is has diminished over the years, the Mannings would most likely appreciate the public forgetting the match-ups.
While Peyton did secure a few victories against the New England Patriots, Brady and his team defeated Peyton more times than not. Needless to say, it's probably a sore subject.
Eli Manning's Memorabilia Fraud Lawsuit
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning would obviously prefer it if fans remember him for his stats on the field. But it's a bit difficult to overlook the little scandal he found himself in.
In 2014, memorabilia collector Steiner Sports charged Eli with selling them fake merchandise. Eli allegedly sold the collector fake game-worn merchandise, items that would sell for a higher price than a regular jersey. This is definitely something the family wants people to forget.
The Colts Bailing On Peyton Because Of An Injury
In 2011, Peyton Manning sustained a horrible neck injury, benching him and resulting in a months-long rehabilitation. But Peyton is like other professional athletes who can bounce back from injuries.
He fully intended on playing the 2011 season. However, the Colts didn't take him off the injured reserve, and he didn't play one game. Needless to say, Peyton probably hopes people forget how the Colts bailed on him that year, not only benching him the entire season but letting him go shortly after.
Eli's 2017 Season
To say the 2017 season was hard for Eli Manning would be an understatement. In all actuality, he probably wishes he could forget it ever happened. Eli was benched after starting a consecutive 210 games, and his starting position was handed over to Geno Smith.
The move came after the Giants began the season with a horrible record of two wins and nine losses. Along with himself, Eli probably hopes the 2017 season has been erased from the public memory.
Cooper Had To Give Up The Game
Many people tend to forget that Peyton isn't the oldest Manning brother. That title actually goes to Cooper. Unfortunately, Cooper never had a chance to make it to the professional league like his father and two younger brothers.
Out of high school, Cooper signed on to play for the University of Mississippi. He was then diagnosed with spinal stenosis, which had him hanging up his pads and cleats before he even got started at the collegiate level.
Peyton's Incident With A Female Trainer In College
While he might embody a nice guy now, Peyton Manning was more of a jokester and wild child while attending the University of Tennessee. So much so that he wound up in a bit of trouble with a female trainer.
In 1996, the football player was in her office for a physical when he exposed his backside. While he claims the prank was geared toward a teammate, it didn't stop the trainer from suing.
Eli's Tantrum At The 2004 Draft
The Manning family probably hopes most people don't remember the little tantrum Eli threw at the 2004 NFL draft. He was the first overall pick, with the San Diego Chargers choosing him as their quarterback.
While any normal person would be excited, Eli made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with the team. There was a bit of drama, and, eventually, the Chargers traded him over to the Giants. Honestly, he was acting like a scorned child, so who can blame them?
Peyton's SNL Skit Gone Wrong
In 2007, Peyton Manning had the honor of hosting Saturday Night Live for his 31st birthday. It was a very memorable moment for him, as well as football fans, to see him doing something other than commercials or playing ball.
The thing is, people probably remember the episode for more than his hosting. During the skit "United Way," Peyton swore at a child. Yea, that's probably something he wishes people would forget.
The Colts "Throwing" A Season For A 1st Round Pick
After Peyton Manning was benched with a neck injury during the 2011 season, the Colts brought in Kerry Collins, a retired quarterback who wanted another day in the sun. The interim quarterback didn't work out. The Colts ended their season with a 2-14 record.
Many believe the team threw in the towel solely because they wanted a first-round draft pick to replace Peyton (they did with Andrew Luck). One injury, and they just toss him to the side! That is definitely something the family wishes people would forget.
