INDIANAPOLIS — The irony of Eli Manning trying to win a Super Bowl in his brother Peyton’s football hometown has not escaped anyone here, although Eli is doing his best to downplay it.
The Giants and Patriots are squaring off in Super Bowl XLVI where his brother has enjoyed so much success before sitting out this season because of three neck surgeries.
“I’m excited about being here,” Eli said at Giants Media Day. “My mindset is I’m here to play a game. This is just a Super Bowl venue. I’m not looking at the fact that this is where Peyton has played his career. I’m just trying to go out there and play my best football; and try to get a championship for the New York Giants.”
It would be Eli’s second Super Bowl victory, compared to the one Peyton earned by leading the Colts over the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. That was one year before the Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
“I am five years younger than Peyton, but growing up we would always compete,” said Eli, who turned 31 on Jan. 3. “When I got a little bit older, 15 or 16 years old, we could finally start being on the same level and compete in playing basketball, ping pong or pool.
“There is that competition. Competition is a great thing. It brings out the best in people. It does make you work harder to try to get to that level where you can compete with your older brother who plays at that same level. It is definitely helpful in bringing out all my skills.”