NFL legend takes down WNBA star in arcade basketball game on The Eli Manning Show
It’s hard to imagine Caitlin Clark losing a shooting contest, but that’s exactly what happened when she faced off against two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning. On the latest episode of The Eli ManningShow, the Indiana basketball superstar went head-to-head with the former NFL quarterback in an arcade-style basketball mini-game, “Pop-a-Shot.”
Before the challenge began, Clark admitted that this wasn’t her strong suit. “I am actually really bad at Pop-a-Shot,” she confessed. True to her words, Manning ended up securing a surprising victory, outscoring Clark 76-51. Always gracious, Clark gave credit where it was due. “Give it up for Eli… He’s gonna give me lessons,” she said, acknowledging the NFL legend’s unexpected skill.
a Addg to the moment, Manning revealed that he often plays games on his show, but victories are rare for him. “This might be the first time I’ve ever won one of these challenges,” he joked. Clark, taking the loss in stride, responded, “Wow, I’m honored to be the first.”
While she may have lost this round, Clark remains dominant on the basketball court, proving that arcade games are a completely different challenge from real-life shooting under pressure. After all, she’s spent her career sinking deep threes and leading her teams to victory, not practicing rapid-fire mini basketball shots.
Caitlin Clark and her connection with the Mannings
This isn’t Clark’s first collaboration with the legendary Manning family. She has previously worked alongside Peyton Manning in a promotional campaign for St. Vincent Hospital. A commercial featuring the two aired locally, showcasing their humor and chemistry. In the ad, Manning pretends to perform surgery while Clark watches in amusement-until the big reveal shows him stitching up a teddy bear instead of an actual patient. The ad’s message was clear: while sports stars like Manning and Clark are icons, real-life heroes are the doctors and medical professionals at St. Vincent Hospital.
Clark also made an appearance at the 17th Celebration of Caring gala for the Peyton ManningChildren’s Hospital, an event that has raised nearly $40 million to support pediatric care. Her presence at the gala highlighted her commitment to philanthropy, proving that her influence extends far beyond the basketball court.
While Eli Manning may have claimed a rare victory in Pop-a-Shot, there’s no doubt Caitlin Clark will continue making history where it truly counts-in professional basketball.
