WATCH: Peyton Manning Rips Brandon Aiyuk Holdout During 'ManningCast'
By Jason Hall
September 10, 2024
Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning ripped San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's lengthy offseason holdout during the ManningCast simulcast of the Week 1 Monday Night Football between the 49ers and New York Jets.
Manning blamed Aiyuk dropping a would-be touchdown pass with 12 seconds left in the second quarter on the wide receiver holding out of training camp amid contract negotiations. The holdout was one of the most discussed offseason storylines and continued until Aiyuk eventually signed a four-year, $120 million deal just before the beginning of the season.
“Get signed. Get in training camp. There’s a reason for training camp. You need it. We need the reps,” Manning said on the ManningCast Monday (September 9) night. “Get those contracts done earlier so he can get in training camp [so] we don’t drop balls on opening night.”
Peyton Manning FIRED UP about Brandon Aiyuk's dropped pass in the endzone. #ManningCast pic.twitter.com/OYBn8bMZKv
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 10, 2024
Manning's brother and co-host, former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, interjected that Aiyuk was "just a little rusty" before the five-time NFL MVP continued his rant.
“You’re still catching balls at a high school field from some quarterback that’s 45 years old, my age. You’re not catching balls from your quarterback,” Peyton added. “Get signed, get in camp, and we don’t drop the ball.”
The Niners went on to kick a field goal to extend their lead to 16-7 at halftime and won the game 32-19, with Aiyuk recording two receptions for 28 yards.