Mario Manningham made the biggest catch of last year’s Super Bowl, reeling in an Eli Manning pass down the sideline late in the fourth quarter to set up the game-winning touchdown for the Giants.
The Giants didn’t make it back to the Super Bowl this year, but Manningham did. Sort of. Manningham’s out with a torn ACL, forcing him to watch from the sideline this time around. As you might imagine, it’s not where he wants to be next Sunday.
“Oh man, it is tough to watch,” Manningham said, via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News. “I know it was a special moment what we did with the Giants last year, but I wish I was out there with my team right now. These guys, they’re a special group of guys right here. I know they’re going to go get the job done.”
Manningham had 42 catches for 449 yards and a touchdown in 12 games this season, a bit less production than the 49ers were likely hoping to get from the free agent addition. That’s also true of now-departed running back Brandon Jacobs, who also joined the team after winning it all with the Giants last season and never played a role on the offense.
Despite the disappointing end to this season, Manningham will have a chance to come back and help the 49ers try again next year. Jacobs will have to find another team willing to give him that chance.