Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning, both current and former quarterbacks, will have a special reunion on the football field as the Jets and Giants face off at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Even though neither will be in uniform for the game, they plan to play catch together on the field before kickoff.
The idea for this pregame catch was born when Rodgers asked Manning if he’d be interested in it upon learning that Manning would be attending Sunday’s game. During Monday night’s “ManningCast,” Rodgers proposed the idea, saying, “Let’s play a little catch pregame. I’ll see you out there. Get that arm warmed up.”
Manning gladly accepted Rodgers’ offer, much to the delight of his older brother, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who expressed his excitement, saying, “I would love to see that. Get that done.”
Throughout their careers, Rodgers and Manning shared the field five times, representing the Packers and Giants, respectively. Rodgers had a 3-2 record against Manning’s Giants in regular-season games, but Manning triumphed in the only playoff encounter between the two. In the 2011 divisional round, the Giants upset Rodgers’ Packers, leading to the Giants’ second Super Bowl win in five years.
Manning concluded his 16-year career with the Giants, which was celebrated with his jersey retirement and Ring of Honor ceremony during the 2021 season. Meanwhile, Rodgers, who began his NFL journey with the Packers one year after Manning’s career with the Giants, aims to return to the field for the Jets this season as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury. Rodgers expressed his desire to come back this season, setting a goal for himself while acknowledging the need to ensure he can protect himself and perform at his best.
Although Rodgers won’t be playing in the Sunday game, the opportunity to play catch with Manning promises to be a special moment for both quarterbacks.
