In his new ESPN+ show, Eli’s Places — which sounds less like a college football show and more like a Hallmark series about a widower with secrets — Eli Manning explores the traditions of several notable football schools. And judging by the looks of the trailer, WE ARE IN FOR A SEASON OF CLASSIC MANNING HIJINKS blended with what appears to be a legitimately entertaining show about college football culture.
I have watched the trailer approximately 80 times. OK, I’ve watched the same five seconds of the trailer approximately 80 times. Because it’s possible I’ve never seen anything more wholesome or entertaining than Nick Saban yelling “ROLL TIDE, BABY” from his speedboat before slinging Eli off a river tube.
(See for yourself around the 0:35 mark)
First, there’s the obvious appeal of watching Nick Saban do ANYTHING in relaxed settings where he doesn’t seem burdened by the expectation of being the absolute best at his job. Look at this regular guy! He’s got a speedboat! And grandkids! He might drink a beer later while watching a World War II documentary, but on second thought, the grass ain’t gonna mow itself!
But ultimately, and I say this as a Giants fan who shares an alma mater with a slew of Mannings, I am absolutely addicted to watching Eli in doofus mode. And when he screams “NO! NnnnnAHHHHH!” before losing his grip and crashing into the water, I lose my mind. This guy won TWO SUPER BOWLS. He is a FATHER of CHILDREN. And there he is, 40 and shirtless and holding on for dear life while the best college football coach in history actively tries to make him look dumb.
I don’t care that it was (probably) scripted. I don’t care if Saban only agreed to do it as part of his recruiting strategy for Eli’s nephew, Arch. It is a pure, wholesome thing at a time when everything is generally bad and that’s enough to warrant praise.
…but seriously, go watch it again.