Despite a disappointingly early exit from the playoffs just a few weeks ago, the handful of Giants who headed to Hawaii for this year's Pro Bowl seem to be enjoying themselves. Eli Manning will back up Kurt Warner in his first-ever trip, marking the first time two sibling quarterbacks will appear in the same game. Eli says that he has been invited more than once in the past by his brother, perennial Pro Bowler Peyton, but waited until he earned the nod as more than just a guest.
The younger Manning was so elated to get selected this year, that he made sure his whole offensive line would get to spend the week in Hawaii, sponsoring trips for the three Giant linemen who protected him all season long and weren't already chosen to play tomorrow. And in true Pro Bowl spirit, Giants defensive lineman Justin Tuck described Eli's high spirits throughout the week, "Right now he's just having fun, laughing a lot and enjoying his time...Maybe on Sunday all the competitiveness will come forward." Maybe.
On the other end of the experience spectrum, senior most Big Blue and NFC members, kicker John Carney and punter Jeff Feagles, checking in at sneeze under 45 and 43 respectively, sound just as grateful to be there in this waning stage of their careers. Carney will be the oldest player to ever appear in a Pro Bowl tomorrow and his teammates haven't let him forget it. Carney said, "We've heard it all. They say, 'Don't forget your Depends and stuff like that.'" Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie added, "Depends. Tums. Maalox."
