Peyton Manning has never hidden his loyalty to Tennessee, and even long after his college career ended, that connection still follows him into unexpected moments. One such moment surfaced during a recent ManningCast broadcast, where Manning revealed a surprising personal tie that caught Brock Bowers off guard. What unfolded added a humorous twist to an already intriguing SEC-rooted storyline.
How Manning’s Tennessee Pride Sparked an Unexpected Exchange
According to Manning, the encounter happened when Bowers, now with the Las Vegas Raiders and formerly a Georgia standout, crossed paths with him during a Denver Broncos game. As recounted on Monday’s ManningCast, Manning immediately leaned into SEC rivalry humor.
He said, “I met Bowers at a Broncos game last year, Eli. He walked up to me, right by me, I said, ‘Bowers, you went to Georgia. You couldn’t be that smart. But your girlfriend went to Tennessee, so you’ve gotta be pretty smart.’”
Brock Bowers girlfriend was in Peyton Manning’s class at Tennessee 🤩
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Manning added that the tight end appeared unsure how to respond, noting that Bowers had never met him before and did not seem to know whether to continue talking or return to warmups. Manning’s playful jab was rooted in a personal connection.
“I teach a class at Tennessee and his girlfriend was in my class. Very smart, obviously. Good for him for figuring it out.”
When Eli Manning pressed his brother on what made her “obviously” smart, Peyton delivered another tongue-in-cheek line: “She’s smart because she goes to Tennessee. That’s why she’s smart. It’s a tough class. It’s an easy A, but it’s a tough class.”
The remarks, shared publicly on ESPN’s ManningCast, revealed a previously unknown link between the Manning family and Bowers’ longtime girlfriend, Cameron Rose Newell.
Bowers has acknowledged their differing SEC ties before. As first reported, he explained that both he and his girlfriend are originally from California, and that their relationship predated his rise at Georgia. He noted that she still supported him during the rivalry games.
“She had the 19 jersey on, so she was pulling for me. But she was getting kind of yelled at by her friends.”
During Bowers’ time at Georgia, the Bulldogs won all three matchups against Tennessee, though his statistical output in those games was modest: 12 catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. The rivalry existed more in sentiment than in stat lines, but it added an entertaining dynamic for those following their connection.
Manning’s comments highlighted how SEC culture often stretches beyond the playing field and into personal interactions. His teasing reinforced the long-lasting nature of college loyalties and how they can unexpectedly shape moments in the NFL.
And as Manning hinted, an A in his Tennessee class keeps the rivalry fun rather than fierce.
