Super Bowl Sibling Rivalry

By Emari Traffie–2/1/2012
Eli can’t escape Peyton’s shadow.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning has brought his team to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis where older brother Peyton built his legacy. Despite all the attention on a perceived sibling rivalry, Eli says he is staying focused on the big game.
“As a player, I don’t think you think about your legacy,” said Eli. “You prepare to play games, to win games. We have an opportunity to win a championship. That is all I’m thinking about – what this will mean to the New York Giants organization and our fans.”
Here in Indianapolis Eli said his intention is not to surpass his brother but rather, to emulate him.
“Since I’ve been watching football, I haven’t seen anybody play at a higher level than he has. It has always been my goal to get to his level of football, to get to his level of play. That is something that I’ve worked on…I try to ask as many questions and get as much help from him as I can.”
The brothers may respect each other, but the sibling rivalry started early.
“I am five years younger than Peyton, but growing up we would always compete,” said Eli.
He recognized the value in competition and says it is great because it brings out the best in people, especially in his life. For Eli, Lucas Oil Stadium is just a venue for the biggest football game of the year, not a symbol of his older brother Peyton’s career.