Eli Manning "Elite" Interview Revisited Through the Gift of Hindsight

Eli Manning was the focus of the preseason when he claimed he was elite.
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In August, Michael Kay conducted an interview with Eli Manning on ESPN New York 1050.

Kay asked Manning the now-famous question, "Is Eli Manning an elite quarterback, are you a top five, top ten quarterback?" And without hesitation Manning responded, "Yeah, I think I am..."

Six months later, Manning and the New York Giants are Super Bowl Champions. 

Manning received tremendous criticism for this comment but six months later he is the one who walks away with a Lombardi Trophy and a Super Bowl MVP.

To Be the Best, You Have to Beat the Best

Elite Eli with Michael Kay on ESPN New York 1050.

It is ironic that Kay asked Manning specifically about Tom Brady. When this interview was taken place, everybody thought Manning was crazy for thinking he was in Brady's class.

Now he has solidified himself alongside Brady.

Many people believe that to be the best, you have to beat the best. Manning did just that at Super Bowl XLVI by defeating Brady and the New England Patriots.

It will be interesting to see if Manning is ever referred to as not just elite, but the best.