Hendon Hooker details his relationship with Peyton Manning and how often they talk with each other
Former Tennessee Vols quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Peyton Manning have developed a close relationship over the last two years. Peyton hasn't been shy about praising Hooker publicly (he even praised Hooker a couple of times during the ManningCast on Monday Night Football this season). And Hooker, likewise, has made it clear that Peyton (along with […]
Former Tennessee Vols quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Peyton Manning have developed a close relationship over the last two years.
Peyton hasn't been shy about praising Hooker publicly (he even praised Hooker a couple of times during the ManningCast on Monday Night Football this season).
And Hooker, likewise, has made it clear that Peyton (along with Peyton's dad, Archie) is one of his mentors.
Hooker detailed his relationship with Peyton this week during several interviews on Radio Row at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
"Peyton is one of my mentors," said Hooker during an appearance on "Maggie and Perloff" on Wednesday. "I talked to him after every game and sometimes before the game when he was there. Talk to him in person and then afterward we would text. Also talk to his father, Archie, a lot as well. Shoutout to the Manning family for just being great people and embracing me."
Hooker also appeared on "The Bleav" podcast on Wednesday where he spoke more about his relationship with the Manning family.
"Anytime that he (Manning) comes to the game, he gives me that quick nod or we'll dap up and hug real quick," explained Hooker. "He always brings little Marshall (Peyton's 11-year-old son). And I remember one game, he usually wears his dad's jersey. I remember one game I saw him in my jersey and I was like 'man that's so wonderful, that's so cool'. And he can throw it, too. Little Marshall can throw that ball."
"Peyton just always reaching out to me. Being very supportive from day one. And his dad as well, Archie. He's always reaching out. He wants to text all day. I love texting and talking to Mr. Manning….you don't blow Archie off."
UT football truly is a family. And Peyton, despite the fact that his career at Tennessee ended 25 years ago, is still just as locked in and supportive when it comes to the Vols as he was in 1997 when he was playing his last season in Knoxville.
And it sounds like Archie, despite being an Ole Miss legend, has a soft spot for Vols quarterbacks.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
