Eli Manning coming to Chattanooga Best of Preps banquet

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team's 21-17 win over New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis.
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ENTER TO MEET ELI

Want to meet Eli Manning? Here's your chance.

The biggest star from the biggest stage in sports will be center stage at the Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps banquet in June.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, the Most Valuable Player in the Giants' 21-17 Super Bowl win over New England in February, will be the featured guest at the June 7 event at the Convention Center. Tickets are available at timesfreepress.com/bestofpreps or at the newspaper office at 400 E. 11th St.

Manning, who will host "Saturday Night Live" this weekend, is the latest star-studded name to headline the annual banquet honoring the best players, coaches and teams in the area.

"We are excited again to welcome one of the world's greatest athletes to Chattanooga," said Times Free Press President Jason Taylor, who has brought Drew Brees, Venus and Serena Williams and Michael Phelps to town for the Best of Preps event in recent years.

Manning has been at his best in the Super Bowl, twice being named MVP of the most-watched game on the planet. Manning is one of only five quarterbacks -- Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Tom Brady and Joe Montana are the others -- who have at least two Super Bowl MVP trophies.

Despite such distinguished company, Manning often is recognized as the second- or third-best quarterback in his immediate family, which includes record-setting brother Peyton and father Archie.

"He has found his own success coming from such an immense shadow," Taylor said. "And I think that can be a powerful message, especially for high school athletes."