Peyton Manning might be retired, but he ain’t exactly sitting on the sidelines when it comes to his records. There’s this one QB who’s got his attention. The former QB sees the writing on the wall, and he’s okay with it.
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On Up & Adams, Manning didn’t hold back when it came to the idea of Patrick Mahomes breaking his records this season. “I feel like all my records are gonna be broken,” he admitted with a smirk, before pointing out the Chiefs’ QB seems to be damn-focused on smashing them. “I think Mahomes is just kind of picking this year—he wants to break it. He’s like, ‘I’m going to break Manning’s record this year.’ I only get that in the reception record that I set as a rookie off my resume—that would happen… but I’m good with it.”
It’s that laid-back attitude you’d expect from a guy who’s been to the top of the NFL mountain twice, but Manning wasn’t done there. While the record-breaking aspect may have been a jest, he had serious praise for the three-time Super Bowl champ. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Receiver docuseries premiere, Manning revealed what truly makes Mahomes “special”—his calmness under pressure.
“He’s just as calm in the fourth quarter when losing in the Super Bowl as he is in the preseason,” he explained, highlighting what he sees as Mahomes’ ultimate weapon: poise. “When you’re calm in those moments, it sure does serve you well, and we’ve just seen it over and over again,” he continued, pointing out that the six-time Pro Bowl QB’s never out of the game. “Don’t ever think a two-touchdown lead’s safe in the fourth quarter with him.”
The former QB’s insight digs into the heart of why the Chiefs‘ Mahomes has been so dominant (three Super Bowl rings and MVPs, and already a staple in NFL history books by age 29). As Manning explained, it’s Mahomes’ ability to stay ice-cool no matter how tense the situation gets, making him a threat until the final whistle.
But Peyton Manning wasn’t only talking Mahomes—he couldn’t help but torch Niners WR Brandon Aiyuk for dropping a critical TD pass, especially considering the offseason contract drama surrounding him.
Peyton Manning rips Brandon Aiyuk for costly drop
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Aiyuk’s offseason was full of contract negotiations, trade whispers, and suspense. Just when it looked like the WR might be heading to Pittsburgh, he pulled a fast one, signing a four-year, $120M deal to stay in San Fran. But if you thought the drama was done, think again!
Fast forward to Monday night, where Aiyuk was ready to make his mark against the Jets. As the first half ticked down, Brock Purdy launched a pass to the WR in the end zone. He dove for the ball, but—whoops—came up short, missing a golden TD opportunity. Peyton Manning ripped him off during the ManningCast, where he was joined by his brother Eli Manning and former Pats’ coach Bill Belichick.
“Get signed, get in training camp. There’s a reason for training camp. You need it!” Manning exclaimed, clearly fired up. “We need the reps! Get those contracts done earlier so we can get into training camp and we don’t drop balls on opening night.” Ouch! The Hall of Famer reminded everyone that preseason is when players build chemistry, not during high school pickup games.
Manning kept the roast going, saying, “You’re still catching balls on a high school field from some quarterback that’s 45 years old, my age. You’re not catching balls from your quarterback!” If that doesn’t put Aiyuk’s lack of preparation under a microscope, what does?
With eyes like Manning’s scrutinizing every move, Brandon Aiyuk can’t afford any more slip-ups. If he does, he might end up on the wrong side of a Manning roast again!