“Anytime I’ve ever gotten a chance to have any interactions with Peyton was always me telling him how much I respect him and he’s meant to this league,” O’Connell said. “So to have that text was one of one.
“What his words mean … it’s Peyton Manning,” he added. “So that meant a lot to me that he would say that.”
O’Connell noted he and Manning were able to “connect a little bit more,” and he appreciated even more hearing specifically what the former QB appreciates about his approach.
“The reasons why, he’s somebody that’s incredibly observant of some of the details that matter to me and how we built this place,” O’Connell said. “So that meant a lot. There’s no other way to say it — it meant a lot.”
As another part of Clark’s interview, Manning was asked if there are any “lessons” to be gleaned about patience and quarterback development when looking at the success Darnold has had in Minnesota this season.
Though he acknowledged there are things to be learned, Manning emphasized “some of the credit has to go to Sam” and that not every similar situation would produce similar results.
He praised Darnold’s determination and “what do they call it, sticktoitiveness?”
“I mean, he has stayed the course,” Manning said. “He’s been in different systems [over his career], and that’s not easy. Whether you’re on the same team for five years or you’re on different teams, that’s different offensive coordinators, different systems, different cultures. That’s not easy, and Sam has just embraced it.
“Everywhere he’s been, he’s been a pro; he’s picked up the system,” Manning added, pointing to Darnold’s 2023 season as a 49ers reserve quarterback and always been ready should he be called on.
“A lot of credit goes to him,” he said. “But yeah, there’s definitely a lesson that just because things don’t work out right away in a guy’s first stop, that doesn’t mean, ‘Let’s just write him off forever.’ “
Manning said it’s been “fun” to watch Darnold put up career-high numbers and help lead the Vikings to a 14-3 season and postseason opportunity.
“He’s been playing some outstanding football,” Manning said. “I was watching some film this week, and I mean, he’s made some big-time throws in critical situations.”