Peyton Manning rips Chargers on Nuggets zoom call

Peyton Manning refuses to let rivalries from his playing days die

Just before their departure for the NBA bubble, the Denver Nuggets had a special motivational speaker for a team-wide zoom call. Former Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning signed on to speak with the team, giving them some tips before partaking on a never-before-scene journey into the chaos of professional basketball during a pandemic.

Manning spoke with the Nuggets about he and the Colts’ rise to prominence, and the ability to stay motivated week after week even when the pundits aren’t doubting you. They also discussed Manning’s leadership strategies throughout his Hall of Fame career, and the practice methods that helped make him one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Jokes were had, as well.

Peyton Manning took a shot at the Chargers on a zoom call with the Denver Nuggets

When a Nuggets player asked Manning about what it would be like playing in a game without fans, Peyton couldn’t do much to help him. What Manning did say, however, will rile up one former rival’s fanbase.

“He was like, ‘I’m just not the one to answer that question,’” Mason Plumlee recalled, per the Denver Post. “’You’d probably have to ask somebody with the Chargers or one of these other teams.’”

The Chargers have struggled with attendance of late, especially after their move to Los Angeles. They’ve become a popular target, and with Manning’s long distaste for the team dating back to his playing days, it’s no wonder he gave them a nudge.

For the Nuggets’ sake, motivation should come from within, which is exactly what Manning was preaching to begin with. All jokes aside, Denver must be able to play to the best of their ability even without a true home environment. It’s that adjustment that could make them a tough out in the NBA bubble.