Peyton: My brother will never be forgotten

By Bill Burt
Staff Writer

February 04, 2008 06:16 am

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GLENDALE, Ariz. — Peyton Manning was riding down the elevator with his wife, Ashley, and looked like he had been, well, a little emotional.

He wasn't saying anything, just soaking the ride down to the field level, shaking his head.

Then he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"I'm so proud, I don't know what to say," said the elder Manning, who quarterbacks the Indianapolis Colts, about the newest family member with a Super Bowl MVP trophy, Eli Manning. "Nobody deserves it more than he does. He's been through so much. He's always had it tough (following me). But you know what? He has never complained. Never."

As for what his kid brother has been through, he's referring to the lambasting Eli received for nearly 21/2 months in the New York media.

"I knew about it, sure, but he never brought it up so I didn't either," said Peyton. "That's an amazing character trait to have. I couldn't handle the criticism like he did. He taught me a lot this year."

Peyton also bragged about the play that will define this Super Bowl and his brother, a 32-yard pass from Eli to David Tyree.

"That is the greatest play in Super Bowl history," said Peyton. "He looked like he was sacked. And then all of sudden you see him get away and just throw it downfield. That's right up with (ex-Steelers wide receiver) Lynn Swann tipping the ball up in the air. I still can't believe it."

After the game, Eli gave his brother some kudos. He said Peyton always told him you'd rather be down four points than three at the end of a game. He used that advice, apparently.

"You become a little more aggressive," said Peyton. "I always liked it better. We talked about it, sure. But I don't get credit for making those plays. It was he and his receivers."

Peyton said the fact that he did it against the Patriots, makes it even more amazing.

"The Patriots were a great team. They really were," said Peyton. "They always find ways to win. I've won a few against them, but they've a few more. But Eli was the one who made plays."

A few reporters came up to Peyton and he answered a few more questions. But then he said he had to find his brother.

"He showed everyone, including me, what an amazing player he was tonight," said Peyton. "But he's always been an amazing person. I love him."

Bill Burt is covers pro sports for North of Boston Media Group. You can e-mail him at bburt@eagletribune.com.