We all have that good friend with whom we have a few beers from time to time. Peyton Manning is no exception; however, the former Denver Broncos star took this custom a little too far, sharing a few drinks with one of his rivals for the 2025 Pro Bowl.
This will be the third consecutive year the two-time Super Bowl champion will coach the AFC team in the Pro Bowl. Like the previous two years, Peyton will face his younger brother Eli, who will coach the NFC team.
The previous two matchups yielded victories for Eli’s NFC over Peyton’s AFC, 35-33 in 2023 and 64-59 in 2024. You’d think that would be motivating enough for Peyton to be more careful with whom he shares his time (and potential strategies), but that’s not the case.
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Partying with the enemy
In a recent chat on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the elder Manning opened up about the painful losses he’s suffered to his younger brother and said he’s eager to avenge the affront. However, at the same time, he revealed a bad decision that could jeopardize his victory.
“Would I like to beat Eli in this Pro Bowl?” Peyton wondered, “Very much so. He’s 2-0, he’s talking about a three-peat. That’s annoying. It’s offensive. And I’m afraid if we don’t win, they’ll fire me and I won’t get to come back.”
However, his next revelation didn’t help his case. “So look, did I have 10 Bud Lights with George Kittle last night? Yes, I did, but I’m still studying film and putting in a good game to play,” Manning joked.
The amount of alcohol is already a problem in itself-10 beers is no small thing-but when you go out partying with the opposing team’s tight end a week before the big day, things take on the tone of high treason. Manning knows this, but it doesn’t seem to worry him too much.
Everything is ready for the Pro Bowl Games
The format change in the Pro Bowl weekend has proven to be a success for the NFL. Not just because of the selection of coaches and players, but because of the spectacle surrounding the game with skills contests, flag football, and other crowd-pleasing entertainment.
As for the game, the players still go out to have fun and try to avoid costly injuries, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to win. What do the AFC stars think about their head coach’s drinking buddy being one of their biggest rivals? It would be interesting to know.