Eli Manning Weighs in on Why He Invested in New York-Based Sports Team Whose Investors Include 12X All Star Kevin Durant, USWNT Legend Carli Lloyd and WNBA Legend Sue Bird

The two-time Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning is venturing into new dimensions of business in the second phase of his career. The veteran had recently signed a co-ownership deal with a professional soccer club in New York. Along with Manning, legends from other sports fraternities like NBA and WNBA have joined him with minor ownership of the club.

The former quarterback now chairs as a co-owner of NWSL’s NJ/NY Gotham FC. The motive behind this move is quite clear. He wants to inspire his kids, especially his three girls, who are reportedly inclined towards athleticism, just like their father.

The NFL legend recently marked his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He spoke about various exciting stories going on in his life. Even though Manning quit the gridiron, he is a busy guy who has ventured into a broadcasting career, along with his brother Peyton Manning through ManningCast for Monday Night Football.

Suddenly, Fallon asked him about his newest engagement with the women’s soccer club and his intentions behind owning the team.

“It’s right in our backyard where we live. They practice 15-20 minutes away to play at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and really got involved. Because when I grew up, my dad played professional football.” Manning said on the show.

He recalled the moments when his dad retired from football when he was three and still went to Saints’ practice to watch his idols inside the locker room practicing on the field. This moved him to an extent that he went on to pursue the sport and wants the same for his kids.

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“I really want the same experience for my kids. I have four kids, but I have three girls, and they’re all athletes. And for them to see these professional athletes and go to practice and beat up and go to the games and say, hey, I want them to have role models,” Manning narrated his dreams.

Eli Manning was a soccer player too

Apart from inspiring his kids to pick up sports seriously, Manning reveals that he played soccer during his school days. He played soccer till the fourth grade, and the next year he had to make a choice. Being one of the tallest kids in the class, Manning chose basketball over soccer and started pursuing the sport.

However, the twist of fate later made him a pro football player, and the rest is history. No doubt his investment won’t go in vain because the club is backed by other prominent athletes like the WNBA champion Sue Bird, who became a part of this club in July. Former USWNT player Carli Lloyd and 12 times All-star Kevin Durant are the other investors in this club.

Hopefully, in the coming days, the women’s soccer league will get more fan engagement. Just like other leagues in the country. Especially when the NFL stars have started investing a chunk of their wealth into the development of such sports.

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