New York Giants lineman Israel Idonije creates ‘sports comic’

The New York Giants may be in for a tough season, but at least they’ll have some entertainment in the locker room, thanks to a recent acquisition. Defensive lineman Israel Idonije has created a series of comic book based on the lives of professional athlete with superpowers. In other words, we’ll finally learn what it’s like to be Peyton Manning, or at least his little brother.

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“The goal was just to have a comic book that I created, that I could hold in my hand and flip through the pages,” Idonije told the New York Times. The comic is titled The Protectors and has received licensing rights from the NFLPA, which means that while we may not get to see what freakish brain process supports Peyton Manning, we will get to see some illustrated Eli Manning.

As a 12-year veteran of the NFL, Idonije knows his football days are nearly over. With a comic book series strongly influenced by graphic novels and his life in the league, it seems that his work is just beginning.

“The comic book thing is really just a passion,” Idonije said. “It’s just something I enjoy doing, and fortunately it’s taken some root.”

The series will be published by Athlitacomics. Two volumes have already been released, with a third soon on its way.