MIAMI — “Great.’’
That is how Sage Rosenfels described how Eli Manning treated backup quarterbacks.
Rosenfels spent 12 years in the NFL and made only 12 starts during that time. He was on the roster of five teams and moved from team to team seven times. He spent the 2010 season — “exactly 365 days as a New York football Giant,’’ he recalled — serving as Manning’s understudy. Rosenfels got in 12 games and did not throw a pass.
“He was great to everybody,’’ Rosenfels told The Post on Wednesday from Super Bowl LIV Radio Row. “You never really hear anybody say anything bad about him. It’s not to protect him. Even though he was the superstar of the team, he didn’t act that way. He treated the backups with a lot of respect.’’
Manning experienced a stark role reversal, backing up rookie Daniel Jones this past season. Rosenfels was not surprised to hear Manning embraced the role, even if he did not enjoy it
“It’s a different deal to be in that supportive role,’’ said Rosenfels, who still keeps in contact with Manning. “One thing you learn as a backup is there’s a lot of times it’s be seen and not heard. Starting quarterback is both seen and heard. That was an unusual situation for Eli. I knew he’d be extremely supportive. I think Eli knew the end has been coming the last couple of years. When he was in that spot, he wasn’t going to be the upset, woe-is-me type of guy. He’s always been a team guy his whole life and I was not surprised he was that way in this situation.’’
Reid stumps for Bieniemy
Count Chiefs head coach Andy Reid as one of those perplexed that offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has not yet been hired as a head coach — despite several openings this offseason.
“I’m Eric Bieniemy’s biggest fan,’’ Reid said Wednesday. “I think he’d be a great head coach. I thought he was going to have an opportunity this year and it didn’t work out for him. But when I talk about leaders of men, you’re not going to find a finer one than Eric.
Eli Manning and Sage Rosenfels in 2010Paul J. Bereswill“He knows the right buttons to push, he’s got a great offensive mind and he organizes everything, he’s the one that’s calling the plays in to the quarterback. He’s phenomenal. I really don’t think he needs to work on anything to become a head coach. He’s ready to go. He just needs that opportunity.’’
No hangover for Chiefs
Reid praised his players for rebounding this year and taking the next step after losing to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game last year.
“We came up short last year,’’ Reid said. “Everyone took that responsibility to heart. I talked to the team about it after the game when we were still whole — before the offseason. Guys got a taste of getting to the championship game and losing and that’s not a good feeling. But they did something about it and attacked the offseason. I’m proud of them for taking that approach.’’
Mahomes recalls Mets BP
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked Wednesday about his fondest memories of his father, Pat, when he was pitching in the major leagues. He brought up the Mets, for whom his dad pitched from 1999 to 2000.
“My favorite memories were shagging batting practice and taking BP with some of the guys,’’ he said. “When he was with the Mets, I remember taking BP with [former Mets pitcher] Mike Hampton and shagging fly balls.’’
Coleman limited in practice
49ers RB Tevin Coleman was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Coleman was forced out of the NFC Championship game with a dislocated shoulder.
“We’ll see how the week goes how much the pain tolerance is for his shoulder,” Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said.
Shanahan sounded optimistic that Coleman will be able to play Sunday.
For more on Super Bowl 2020, listen to the latest episode of the “Blue Rush” podcast:
