I Like Eli

Well, of course I like my Eli, that goes without saying. Who could help but love this sweet grin? But the Eli I'm referring to in my post title is Eli Manning--as in quarterback for the champions of Super Bowl 42. About halfway through the season I noticed how much scrutiny the poor guy was under by all of the sports commentators on ESPN (and everywhere else, really), and I declared that I was pulling for him. I mean, it's gotta be rough enough being known the "little brother" of stand-out quarterback, Peyton Manning (who, by the way, I also like a whole lot) without having to be constantly reviewed as "lacking" by anyone who matters in sports. Add to that a former teammate who gave an interview stating that Eli was comical and awkward as a leader, and you've got a great Cinderella story when the guy comes back to upset one of the greatest football teams in the history of the game (I'm referring to the now 18-1, formerly perfect '07-08 New England Patriots, who just about everyone expected to win the Super Bowl with no trouble).

Now I'll admit, about 80% of my initial liking of Eli Manning had to do with the fact that he has a great name...but the more I watched him, the better I liked him, and by the time the Super Bowl rolled around, I was really pulling for him. After having watched it, I can honestly say that he didn't' disappoint. It was, in my opinion the best Super Bowl I've ever watched, and the icing on the cake was watching all those formerly critical commentators on ESPN eat crow. I predict an avalanche of Peyton/Eli sibling rivalry commercials in '08. (Oh, and by the way, the sleeping pictures of Eli don't really have anything to do with this post, but I figured I'd throw something cute in for the non-sports-enthusiasts)

Speaking of football, I did a fun cake for a Super Bowl birthday party this weekend, so I just had to share.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled (non-sports-inclusive) blog. (Oh, and for the record...I like Norah too)