Eli Manning kicks off The Pro’s Pro by going deep on what it really means to be a “pro’s pro” – preparation, consistency, generosity, and humility over fame and talent.
In this episode, host Joe McLean sits down with two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning to unpack the foundations that shaped his career: the non‑negotiables in the Manning household, the influence of his parents, and how his dad’s example of kindness and work ethic mattered more than pushing his kids to be pros. Eli explains why he didn’t play tackle football until eighth grade, how he fell in love with the game in high school, and why choosing Ole Miss over Texas came down to culture, coaching, and doing “the common things uncommonly well.
Eli also opens up about handling pressure as the No. 1 pick, navigating New York media, building trust with Tom Coughlin, and developing the calm, poised leadership that powered 16 years with the Giants and two Super Bowl runs. He shares how a sports psychologist helped him strengthen his mental approach, what he Learned teaching at the Manning Passing Academy, and why consistency on the simple throws matters more than flashy highlights.
On the money and life side, Eli talks about signing his first major contract, leaning on trusted advisors, avoiding “get rich quick” investments after an early loss, and his philosophy of living off endorsements while conservatively investing football income. He explains how that discipline created freedom to become an entrepreneur and owner after retirement.
The episode closes with Eli’s perspective on NIL, advice to young athletes facing early money and big decisions, and what it means to build a “locker room in life” through business, mentorship, and giving back. From Tackle Kids Cancer to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, he shares why he focuses on impact over headlines and how to pursue something you love for the right reasons.
If you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing excellence, this conversation is a masterclass in how to be a true professional on and off the field.
