(SP) – Archie Manning, the patriarch of the Manning football family, put Eli Manning — his 36-year old and youngest son — up for adoption on Tuesday afternoon after the boy was benched by the New York Giants in favor of Geno Smith.
“I have always been very clear that this family has a certain image and brand to protect,” said Archie Manning, announcing his son was available to new parents. “Eli’s play has always been subpar, but I forgave it because of the Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady and the Patriots. But this? Getting benched? And getting benched to a guy who was let go by the Jets? No way. Eli is no son of mine.”
Peyton Manning, the longtime NFL quarterback with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos and Eli’s older brother, said he supported his father’s decision.
“I worked too hard during my career to build the Manning brand to have the final glimpse of a Manning in the NFL be some benched loser on a two-win team,” said Peyton Manning. “I go out and Super Bowl champion and stupid Eli does this? No. No way. We’re cutting his ass from the family. At least Cooper had an injury excuse. Eli just sucks. He’s being adopted and will be required to change his name.”
The youngest, and newly benched, Manning said he is okay with his family’s decision.
“I’ve never actually liked football much,” he said. “I just did it because it was the family business and I hoped it would make my dad love me. But that was never going to happen. He always liked Peyton better, even after my second Super Bowl win. I look forward to joining a new family. I want to start a new life and be the real Eli. I don’t want to play football anymore. I don’t want to make Manning faces ever again.”
