Georgia Football

Eli Manning Challenges Brother Peyton Manning: "Are you going to Athens?"

By Dean Legge

November 1, 2022

9,942

DON’T MISS OUT: Get our insider newsletter today!

ATHENS - Former Tennessee Vols QB Peyton Manning said he’s not sure if he will watch Kirby Smart and the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs take on his old team in Athens this Saturday.

Manning’s indecision lead to good-natured ribbing from his younger brother and former Ole Miss QB Eli Manning.

“I'm dressing up as Hendon Hooker, Heisman favorite, quarterback of the No. 2 Tennessee Vols going into Athens this weekend,” the older Manning announced at the end of the duo’s popular Monday Night Football “Manningcast”.

“He's my new favorite player,” Peyton added.

* SPOTS RUNNING OUT *

UGA DB Kelee Ringo Autograph Signing *

Sunday, November 20, 2022 || @ Red Zone in Athens

“Are you going to Athens?” Eli quickly quizzed the former Vol.

“I don't know,” Peyton said back. “I was there at the Bama game.”

The Vols took out No. 2 Alabama 52-49 on the final play of the game at Neyland Stadium on October 15th. Hooker has surged into the spotlight this year for the Vols as one of the top players in the country. The Virginia Tech transfer has thrown for 2,338 yards, 21 touchdowns and only one interception this season.

“If you went to Athens dressed as Hendon Hooker... then that would be good,” Eli said with a grin.

The Bulldogs are listed as 8.5-point favorites to top the Vols, who have won in Athens only once since 2008.

“Just be quiet. Please get this thing over with... stop talking,” Peyton said as the broadcast went off the air.

Peyton Manning visited Athens for the No. 2 Bulldogs’ 38-12 win over Tennessee in 2018. Both Mannings combined to win four Super Bowls during their NFL careers. Peyton Manning won the SEC title with his Vols in 1997 - beating Kirby Smart and the No. 15 Georgia Bulldogs 38-13 in Neyland Stadium.