Five Things You Didn’t Know About Payton Manning

Peyton Manning has it all. After years of criticism that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback couldn’t win the big game, he led his team to a victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. It seemed like Manning was everywhere before his win, but now he has become ubiquitous. He’s in more commercials than ever before and even hosted Saturday Night Live.

But not everything about Manning was covered in the media blitz. Here are five things you don’t know about Payton Manning.

Payton Manning was involved in a scandal in college
Manning played college football at Tennessee and while he was there, he was accused of sexually harassing an athletic trainer. Jamie Ann Naughright alleged Manning exposed himself to her, but Manning said he simply mooned her. The university sided with Manning but made him submit a written apology. Manning later was sued by Naughright for defamation over comments he made about her in a book. The suit was settled out of court, for a reported sum of $300,000.

Payton Manning does birthday parties (for hire)
Shortly after his Super Bowl win, Manning reportedly received a fee of $200,000 to appear at a Sweet 16 birthday party. While Manning denies the story, there are pictures that seem to confirm that it did happen. Manning reportedly made a two-hour appearance, marked by a surprise entry behind a birthday cake and photos with each guest.

Payton Manning’s worst habit is licking his fingers
Watch Manning before a play. After he calls his audibles and checks the defense, he always licks his fingers before dropping down to receive the snap. It happens without fail. Manning admitted this foible in an interview with ESPN’s Dan Patrick, but said the habit extends beyond the football field. He said his wife gets angry at him because he’ll do the same thing around the house and on the golf course.

Payton Manning’s older brother was a quarterback too
Everyone knows Manning’s little brother Eli, who is quarterback for the New York Giants. But his older brother Cooper used to play the position as well. He was recruited heavily out of high school, but was diagnosed with spinal stenosis – an affliction that leads to a narrowed and compressed spinal cord. It was enough to end the elder Manning’s football career prematurely.

Peyton Manning was named the NFL’s most marketable player
It should come as no surprise to anyone inundated by TV commercials of Manning hyping his “laser-rocket arm.” Fifty-six marketing companies were surveyed and named Manning the most marketable football player. Who did he beat? Tom Brady. Apparently, the rivalry continues off the field and on the airwaves.

Sources
Allegations
Sweet 16 Party
Dan Patrick Interview
Marketing Survey