Skip to main content

How to tailgate properly, according to former NFL QB Eli Manning

Tom Brady is finally safe

Eli and Peyton Manning celebrate Slider Sunday in a new King’s Hawaiian commercial
King’s Hawaiian

When you’re grilling, you have several choices available to you. There’s a standard charcoal option, you can grill over wood if you’re feeling adventurous, and even gas grills can be enhanced with things like smoke boxes full of wood chips. But Eli Manning’s approach is pretty direct, and a far cry from some of the elaborate plays he coordinated during his time on the field. He prefers propane and minimal fuss: “Keep it simple, keep it easy, make sure it’s easy to light. Just whatever’s convenient. Get it hot, throw it on there, and get it going. Usually, we’re rocking and rolling, and we’ve gotta get it done quick.”

Recommended Videos

But that makes sense when you consider the Super Bowl winner’s attitude to the concept of tailgating on the whole. Tailgating isn’t about charred hotdogs and burgers. It isn’t even for Manning. The secret ingredient every good tailgating session needs isn’t actually the tailgating food because it isn’t even related to food.

The former quarterback said: “Tailgating and Sundays and football is just a great time to get together with family and friends and enjoy that day. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what I enjoy having missed so much of that growing up. To be around my kids, to be around family and friends. There’s so much going on with schedules and work and sports, so it’s a great time to get together, enjoy some good food, good company, and to wind down the weekend.”

King's Hawaiian Slider Sunday - Perfectly Imperfect with Peyton & Eli Manning

Making up for lost time

Manning’s family-focused view of tailgating isn’t surprising when you consider his life so far. The NFL legend’s weekends were always busy, and he was playing at the events the tailgating surrounded. However, despite being so close he could smell the food hitting the grill, the ex-professional athlete’s other duties prevented him from taking part.

“When I was playing, I wasn’t able to tailgate before or after. For me, even now, it’s more about getting together with family and friends. That’s what Sundays are about now.” I missed so many weekends over the last 20 years, now I’m trying to make up for it. That’s why I’m trying to make this a weekly ritual,” Manning said.

As with every rule, there was an exception. That exception was Manning’s time at college; when he managed to meet up with family post-game. The New York Giants star reminisces: “I went to college at Old Miss and that’s something they are very famous for is their tailgating and how they do it. They do it in a place called “The Grove,” — it’s a 10-acre field, no cars or trucks are allowed in it. So it’s all tables, tablecloths, there are extremes where they bring china out. It’s a great time. I did go after games when I was playing. My parents would have a tent and get to go. It was a great time to see my family, see some friends, bring some teammates over, and a good way to celebrate after a game.”

When confronted with the fact his two-time Super Bowl sparring partner Tom Brady may come out of retirement, Manning was adamant he wasn’t going to lace up his boots again with the goal of ruining another one of the New England Patriots legend’s Sunday afternoons. “I’m done. Three years done, I don’t miss the hits, I don’t miss a lot of it. I’m good doing, what I’m doing.”

These days Manning has other focuses, like his endorsement deal with popular bread company King’s Hawaiian. Manning maintains he and his family’s favorite recipes come wrapped in the sweet buns — and singled out the pretzel rolls and a turkey ranch slider as a personal favorite. He’s currently starring in a commercial alongside his brother Peyton, as well as hosting giveaways on the Slider Sundays website.

Dave McQuilling
Dave has spent pretty much his entire career as a journalist; this has included jobs at newspapers, TV stations, on the…
How to reheat tamales: Top methods for keeping them delicious
Learn 6 different ways to heat up this Mexican favorite
Tamales

One of my go-to meals is tamales, and in my opinion, they are one of the tastiest and most popular dishes for a night out on the town, complete with a few frosty margaritas. But knowing how to reheat tamales is a must to retain that delicious first-bite flavor.

A traditional Mesoamerican dish, tamales are stuffed with meats or beans and cheese and wrapped in a banana leaf or a corn husk. Steamed and served with pico de gallo and rice, they make for a delightful dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor and spice.

Read more
Knob Creek Bourbon and Eli Manning are launching a limited-edition bourbon
NFL legend Eli Manning and Knob Creek are dropping a bourbon for the Big Game
Knob Creek

As if we even needed another reason to drink Knob Creek Bourbon during the “Big Game,” the iconic brand is partnering with NFL legend and New Orleans native (where the game is being played) Eli Manning for a limited-edition whiskey.
ELI MANNING’S 2025 BOLD PICK

This limited-edition single-barrel bourbon was hand-picked by the famed Giants’ quarterback and eight-generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe. Matured for at least nine years in American white oak barrels, it was bottled at a cask strength 120-proof.

Read more
How to lose belly fat: Eating these 10 foods more often will help a lot
Diet won't do it all, but we bet you need to make a few tweaks
Man holding belly fat

As a trainer and nutritionist, I constantly have clients approach me, sharing that they want nothing more than to get rid of their stubborn belly fat. Many people hold excess weight in the abdominal area, so if this sounds like you, you are not alone. Unfortunately, you cannot target fat on any part of your body. However, being consistent with healthy habits can make you burn fat throughout your body, including in your belly.

Many people think simply going to the gym will make enough of a difference, but it's actually nutrition that will deliver the majority of your results. Keep reading to learn what foods to add to your grocery list to better understand how to lose belly fat with diet.
Edamame

Read more