If you're looking for a reason to root for the Giants during the Super Bowl today, look no further than Warren native Mario Manningham.
The Giants' wide back -- who played for Warren Harding -- not only has Valley roots, but he's also been one big reason New York is still playing.
"Words can't express how I feel right now," Manningham told us earlier this week. "It's crazy. I still can't believe that I'm about to play in a Super Bowl."
It's a dream come true for Manningham, but the New York Giants receiver hasn't forgotten his roots from Warren Harding. He still talks at least three times a month to former head coach Tom McDaniels.
"You should've done this or that; not telling me what I should've done, but basically coaching me like he always does," said Manningham. "He just gives me positive words."
Manningham has needed more positive words this season. Coming off a career year, injuries and the emergence of Victor Cruz have pushed No. 86 out of the starting line-up. But despite the decreased minutes, Manningham has remained positive.
"Make plays when I get in, that's all," said Manningham. "We're all going to play."
"If he goes anywhere else, he's a starting wide receiver in this league," said Giants' wide receiver Victor Cruz. "And for him to humble himself and allow me to come up and not really have any discrepancies with that, I really thank him all the time."
Manningham's postseason has been small in the stat line, but big on the scoreboard having found the end zone in all three of the Giants wins, and if you ask his coach and his quarterback, there's no reason they don't think Mario won't cross that line tonight in Indianapolis.
"He's played at a high level, obviously, in the playoffs -- three touchdowns," said quarterback Eli Manning.
"With him healthy and in the line-up, it's a very tough group of receivers to defend," said Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin.
When asked if he had anything to say to his family and friends back home, Manningham said, "Oh yeah. Be rooting for us. Shout out to Warren, Ohio. That's where I'm from. Love you all, and stay behind us this Sunday."
