The New York Jets clapped back at Peyton Manning on Wednesday after the legendary former NFL quarterback took a jab at the franchise’s attendance.
Manning and country music singer/songwriter Luke Bryan co-hosted the Country Music Association’s annual awards show on the night and put their own comedic spin on the night’s festivities. One of their jabs was targeted at the Jets.
Jets Keep Receipts From Peyton Manning Barb
During a portion of the night’s festivities, Manning set Bryan up to take a jab at New York’s typical fan presence for the franchise’s games.
“You know the difference between the New York Jets and Taylor Swift?” Manning asked.
“Uh, Taylor can sell out a stadium,” Bryan said.
“You nailed it,” Manning replied. “I had you do that punchline, Luke, so I wouldn’t get in trouble.”
MORE: Quinnen Williams Addresses Comments Troy Aikman Made About Him During Monday Night Football
The Jets responded by posting a clip of Manning and Bryan’s comments to X (commonly known as Twitter) alongside a picture of a soldout crowd at MetLife Stadium for a game against the Buffalo Bills earlier this season.
what are we talking about Peyton pic.twitter.com/sT4iWkFSmX
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 9, 2023
The Jets rank third in the NFL by average attendance at their home games this season at a mark of just over 80,000, according to ESPN. They have played in front of a total of 656,602 fans across their eight games this season, including 403,159 at the five home games.
Fans React to New York’s Response
One Twitter commenter used some colorful language to describe Manning and called back to his 41-0 playoff loss to the Jets back in 2003 when he was still with the Indianapolis Colts. The Wild Card Round showdown was played in front of a reported crowd of more than 78,000 people.
Still a p.o.s.
He must've forgot his first playoff game in a SOLD OUT old Meadowlands where he lost 41-ZER0. https://t.co/L8q91xnZtf
— Anthony H (@AntsRants103) November 9, 2023
Manning went 1-2 all-time in playoff games against the Jets. He and the Colts took a 30-17 win in 2009 on their way to losing in the Super Bowl to the New Orleans Saints before the Manning-led Colts fell 17-16 to New York in 2010.
Another Jets fan recalled Manning’s involvement in the franchise hiring Adam Gase as its head coach back in January 2019.
Gase was an assistant coach with the Denver Broncos from 2012-2014, when Manning spent the latter years of his career with the franchise and helped deliver a Super Bowl to Denver.
Gase, who had previously coached the division-rival Miami Dolphins to a 5-1 record against New York, reportedly had Manning put in a good word for him with the Jets before he was hired.
This mofo was the inspiration for the list for bringing us Gase. He can f all the way off. ✍️ https://t.co/L3VYZHEuqP
— nicole esther (@njrealtornic) November 9, 2023
The hire ultimately backfired on New York as they went 7-9 in Gase’s first season at the helm, then 2-14 in 2020 before firing him less than two years after the date that his hiring was announced.
Ultimately, it’s clear there is plenty of tension between Manning and the Jets’ fan base, and perhaps even the organization itself, given their history.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!