Giants Manning says brother Peyton gave him spark

By Larry Fine

PHOENIX, Arizona (Reuters) - Peyton Manning's Super Bowl MVP honors last year provided the inspiration for younger brother Eli to lead his team to the title game, the New York Giants quarterback said on Thursday.

Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to victory over the Chicago Bears, while Eli aims for his own Super Bowl ring on Sunday against the unbeaten New England Patriots.

"As happy as I was for him last year, it definitely made me want it even more, seeing someone go through it," Manning told reporters on Thursday.

"Seeing the grin on his face, his smile after the game, and the relief and enjoyment he had also put something in my heart that said this is where you want to be and want to get.

"It definitely sparked something with me. I didn't know when it would happen, but I knew I wanted to get to this point and have a shot to win a championship."

The New York quarterback had his ups and downs during the regular season, tossing 20 interceptions along the way, but has been mistake-free in the playoffs as he led the Giants to three successive road wins to reach Super Bowl XLII.

Manning, who came under fire for a lack of emotion on the field, said his laid back personality helped him find success.

"I think it's helped me deal with everything that's been thrown at me," said Manning, who came into the league with high expectations after being the top selection in the 2004 NFL Draft and is under intense media scrutiny playing for New York.