Why Cooper is my Favorite Manning… And He Should Be Yours Too

The past few articles I have written have, in general, have been either criticisms or lamentations about the NFL…so, in order to prove to readers (but mostly myself) that I am not an inherently negative person, this week I would like to talk about one of my favorite NFL figures–Cooper Manning.

Wait a second.

You are most likely thinking as you take mental inventory of the Mannings whom you know: there are two brothers…Eli and Peyton. Is Cooper their father? No. That’s Archie.

So who the hell is Cooper Manning…?

Cooper Manning, for those of you who don’t know, is the eldest brother of Peyton and Eli Manning. Mostly out of media sight, he has recently emerged as the host of The Manning Hour, a two-minute segment on Fox Sports Sunday Kickoff hosted by Cooper himself. The show illustrates Manning’s uncomfortable knack for comedy, which is one of the main reasons why I am hitherto dubbing him my favorite Manning–and why you should too.

That’s right. The best Manning doesn’t even play professional football.

But before we delve into Manning’s many successful comedic stints, quiet family life and multi talents, allow me to take you through a brief history of Manning’s life.

Cooper Manning was born in 1974 and spent his childhood with his family in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he followed his family’s footsteps in exhibiting football ability from an early age. He played wide receiver for Isador Newman High School in New Orleans (the same high school, by the way, that Odell Beckham, Jr. attended) and caught 76 passes for 1,250 yards his senior year, according to this feature on “the other Manning.” He was set to follow in his father’s footsteps of playing in the NFL, as he was recruited to play for Ole Miss.

Right after summer training camp, however, Manning was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition in which the narrowing of the spinal canal put him at risk to be paralyzed if he was tackled the wrong way. Needless to say, Manning’s life changed drastically after that, as he underwent major surgery to ameliorate the problem. After re-learning to walk, Manning got married, began a family and forged a career as a successful energy trader at Howard Weil. Manning mostly avoided the constant public eye that watched his family with the exception of brief stints showcasing his comedic, laid back nature on sports shows such as the Dan Patrick Show, in which Manning did a few short segments interviewing New Orleanians in a segment called “Manning on the Street.”

Cooper’s life history illustrates why he is my favorite Manning. First, just like his brothers, when he was an athlete, he kicked some serious ass. He was an All-American, he was scouted by numerous D-1 universities and he was the favorite target of young Peyton Manning.

Second, which of the other Mannings literally had to relearn how to walk as a college student? Hint: NONE. When Cooper awoke from his spinal stenosis surgery, he could barely move. He worked tirelessly in rehab to regain basic motor skills…and Manning brother or not, anyone who accomplishes that deserves unquestioned respect.

Third, Manning didn’t allow his tragic football end to ruin his life–he forged ahead and proved his drive and intelligence with a successful career. He’s anything but a washed-up athlete trying to relive the glory days — he moved on with his life with a smile on his face. `

If you weren’t previously aware of any of the above information about Cooper’s life, his newest show alone would most likely win you over. The weekly “hour” features prominent NFL superstars in unique settings, such as the first episode featuring the likes of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in shorts and flip-flops, sitting with Manning on the steps of a chic New Orleans house or the most recent show sporting an intimate, commando mani-pedi session with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Manning is serious and accurate in his dry delivery of statements that cause just as many eyebrows to raise as laughs to be heard.

I’m willing to wager that he would be a fantastic candidate for a Saturday Night Live skit–and that each of his Manning Hours will be even funnier than the last.

And after all that, if you still are unclear as to why Cooper is my favorite Manning brother, consider this: Eli Manning may have thrown 80 yard TD passes to Beckham, Jr., but could he pass M and M’s to Odell with the same precision as Cooper?

I think not.