Mr. Manning Comes To USC

Manning filmed a TV commercial at the Coliseum and wanted to stay sharp afterward by working out. USC basketball coach Tim Floyd, who is a longtime friend of Manning’s father, Archie, brought Peyton Manning over to campus and USC coach Pete Carroll arranged for a group of players showed up for the workout.
Manning was worried all the USC quarterbacks might show up but only Booty threw with him.
``I was telling Coach Floyd quarterbacks need a certain degree of selfishness,’’ Manning said. ``I’m glad it was just me and John David so I could do what I needed to do. It’s good to have one other guy throwing with you.’’
Manning did not just workout. He also gave Booty tips on footwork and throwing.
``I’ve watched him. USC is on TV a lot. He’s a great kid,’’ Manning said. ``He asks a lot of questions and I try to help him.’’
Manning threw to USC wide receivers Patrick Turner, David Ausberry and Brandon Carswell along with tight ends Fred Davis and Anthony McCoy and tailback Joe McKnight.
``I didn’t think I’d get to do that,’’ McKnight said. ``I found out about 30 minutes before.’’
Asked how the USC receivers compared to their NFL counterparts, Manning said, ``That’s not a fair question. I feel I have the two best receivers in the NFL (Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne).’’
He admitted he felt old because the Trojans referred to him as, ``Mr. Manning.''
After his workout Manning signed autographs, took pictures and then went to Howard Jones Field, where he ran wind sprints by himself before departing with Floyd.