Saint Peter’s is the clear Cinderella story from the 2022 NCAA Tournament, with the New Jersey-based school attracting attention for its surprise run to the Sweet Sixteen.
The Peacocks were a total mystery to most until their shocking first round win over second-seeded Kentucky. They weren’t done there as they toppled Murray State in the second round to set up a date with Purdue in the regional semifinal.
That has led to a lot of people claiming to be fans, either temporarily or otherwise. That includes former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who has embraced the local school. Then again, he did so a long time ago, as he joked in a tweet Thursday.
What? I have been cheering for Saint Peter’s for years. They are my local New Jersey basketball team. Go Peacocks!! pic.twitter.com/lHrGPgW9NL
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) March 24, 2022
There’s no such thing as bad publicity, and the Peacocks have probably won a few permanent fans as a result of their run. Maybe Manning will prove to be one of them, but he’s been pretty loyal to Ole Miss, and that will only be solidified if his nephew decides to go there.
Photo: Feb 5, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning during the Walter Payton man of the year press conference at Moscone Center in advance of Super Bowl 50 between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
