Eli's coming!!!! So are the surprising New York Football Giants. The kid who looks like a grown up version of "Opie" from the Andy Griffith Show of the 1960's and 70's and a popular rerun right here on CBS 5 in the 90's and earlier this decade. For much of his career, Peyton's little brother has been the object of criticism from the moment he told the San Diego Chargers he wouldn't sign with them if they drafted him first overall in the 2004 NFL draft. The Boltz took him but as most know, traded him to New York for Phillip Rivers. It was all downhill for a long period of time as Manning's body language after an interception or a bad play, made him look like a beaten puppy.

The New York media crushed the kid day in and day out. His now former teammate, Tiki Barber, ripped Eli's leadership abilities before he decided to join the media. It didn't let up until late December. The 4th year player put his team in position to hand New England their first loss of the year. The G-men let it get away late and lost 38 to 35 but after the NFC title game win at Green Bay Manning said his team started to really believe they could do special things after that loss to the Patriots. He was right as they did the near impossible by winning 10 road games, none bigger than at Dallas and Green Bay. That last victory earned them a trip to Glendale and Super Bowl 42.

Today, Elisha Nelson Manning (Eli to all of us) is the toast of the town. He's made a remarkable run from the outhouse to the penthouse. The 27 year old won't blow you away with a charismatic personality (big bro Peyton has a lock on it) and admitted on national television that he doesn't get too high or too low and sometimes he's hard to read. All we have to know is he has matured to the point that he finally has emerged as one of the leaders of a veteran ball club and that speaks volumes.

I also found out that Eli is superstitious. He told his college sweetheart that if she wanted to watch the NFC championship game in person, she would watch it with the Packers faithful in the stands at Lambeau Field in minus 26 degree (wind chill factor) temperatures. His first lady bundled up, endured the bitter cold and watched her man lead the Giants to Super Bowl. Now that's leadership and a very understanding fiance. gcruz@kpho.com

Gary Cruz
CBS 5 Sports Anchor