Peyton Manning slams Brandon Aiyuk, Edgerrin James over holdouts following dropped touchdown pass

Peyton Manning went after Brandon Aiyuk for holding out on the season premiere of ManningCast. While covering the game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, the Hall of Fame quarterback sounded off on Aiyuk after dropping a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Manning also called out his former teammate Edgerrin James for holding out when they were with the Indianapolis Colts.

“Get signed, get in training camp, there’s a reason for training camp, you need it, we need the reps,” Manning said about Aiyuk. “Get those contracts done earlier so you can get in training camp, we don’t drop balls on opening night.”

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

Peyton Manning unloads on Brandon Aiyuk sitting out camp after that dropped TD pic.twitter.com/cZEbzZS6Vj

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 10, 2024

Manning later talked about a similar situation when he played with James in 2004. “I mean he’ll be good but like I said, there’s a reason we need to be in training camp. It matters to me,” he said. “I remember the 2004 game. We had some turnovers in that game…..anyway…..I’m over that game. 2004. I’m over it. It’s been 20 years.”

Eli Manning was covering the game with Peyton Manning, and he responded, “Doesn’t seem like you’re over it. It seems like you’re still mad about it. Someone hold out? Who held out?”

Watch NFL Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW! For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Peyton said, “Well Edgerrin held out. Edgerrin held out. And he fumbled. Look, Edgerrin is the best running back I ever played with but when you miss training camp, it shows up. It makes a difference.”

James played with Manning from 1999 to 2005 and became one of the top running backs in the NFL. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1999 after rushing for 1,533 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching 62 passes for 586 yards and four touchdowns. In his seven seasons with the Colts, James had five seasons of rushing for at least 1,200 yards. And in those five seasons, the former Miami Hurricanes alum rushed for at least 1,500 yards in four of them. James’ production played a big role in Manning winning the MVP award in 2003 and 2004.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the 49ers on Aug. 30. He came close to being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the 49ers worked out a new deal with him. Aiyuk was selected by the 49ers No. 25 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and was named to the All-Pro Second Team in 2023 after catching 77 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns.