Eli Manning's family night out at Devils playoff game

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 30, 2025, 22:00 IST

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Retired NFL star Eli Manning brought his daughters to experience playoff hockey firsthand at the Devils' Game 4. Mic'd up by the NHL, the Manning family's genuine reactions - from beard critiques to goal celebrations - showed their growing love for the game.

Eli Manning's family night out at Devils playoff game

Manning mic'd up as he takes in Devils Game 4 with daughters (Credit: Getty Image)

Eli Manning traded his playbook for a Devils jersey last Sunday. The two-time Super Bowl MVP sat rink-side with his daughters for New Jersey's crucial playoff matchup. His transition from football star to hockey dad was on full display.

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The NFL legend attempted to grow a proper hockey playoff beard. His daughters served as harsh judges when mic'd up during the game. Perched directly behind the net, the Mannings got the full NHL experience. Eli warned his girls about incoming pucks before the game. When a blistering shot rattled the glass, the quarterback jumped while his daughters stayed perfectly calm.

Unfiltered Goal Celebrations

Eli Manning and family were sitting behind the glass at an NHL playoff game (Credit: Getty Image)

The family's pure joy erupted when Nico Hischier scored. Manning admitted he makes strange noises during hockey games. His mic'd up reactions proved even elite athletes turn into passionate fans during playoff hockey. Between periods, Manning explained hockey rules to his daughters. Their growing understanding showed in their reactions to big plays. The former Giants star's visible excitement demonstrated hockey's power to captivate new audiences.
Unlike typical VIP appearances, Manning engaged deeply with the game. He pointed out strategies to his kids and celebrated like a lifelong fan. His authentic enthusiasm mirrored the energy of Devils faithful around them. The Manning outing highlighted why NHL playoffs attract diverse fans. From beard traditions to glass-rattling action, the experience offered something for everyone. Even a football icon couldn't resist hockey's unique charms.
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Legends Supporting Local Teams

Manning's presence continued his support of New Jersey sports. His transition from football hero to hockey dad represents how regional stars embrace all local teams. The Devils gained three more vocal supporters that night. As the final horn sounded, the Mannings left with memories beyond a typical game. Their mic'd up moments captured why hockey converts fans of all ages. For one night, Eli Manning wasn't a football legend - just another dad sharing playoff hockey with his kids.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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