Many thought there was no way quarterback Peyton Manning would be able to play football in the NFL again after undergoing his fourth neck surgery just three years ago. He was forced to sit out his last season in Indianapolis and watched his younger brother Eli win his second Super Bowl title in his home stadium. It had to be tough for Peyton to watch his younger brother play while he was sidelined, especially when he was one of the people who thought Peyton’s career was over.
During a game of catch, Eli admitted that his brother struggled throwing the ball even 15 yards. He told NFL Network, “There was no way he could come back and play football. That first time he went and we were just throwing it in the backyard of our house. We’re throwing 15 yards away, and it was a lob. He couldn’t throw 15 yards on a line. It had no pop.”
Peyton, however, refused to give up and signed a new contract with the Denver Broncos last season after being released by the team that drafted him. Last season, Eli admitted he was nervous when he watched his brother play in preseason. He said he was unsure if he was going to be able to properly step into his throws and place them into tight holes. His biggest fear, however, was his brother taking a sack and how his body would respond. Last year, Manning led his team to the postseason, but was knocked out by the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round.
This year, however, Manning has broken every offensive record and will be playing third Super Bowl. Younger brother had his worst year statistically, but called Peyton’s year “inspiring”. “So it’s been an amazing journey for him and what he’s overcome and for me to watch him to go through it, and the dedication to work has been inspiring,” he said.
