In July, Eli Manning came to Auburn to shoot an episode of "Eli’s Places" for ESPN+, and I got the opportunity to sit down with him, as well as watch him attempt a world record.
"Eli’s Places" is a show featured on ESPN+ that includes former NFL star Eli Manning going around the country to see and learn about sports places and their significance and tradition in the sports world. Eli had been to Auburn before as a player, but now he had come back with a different goal in mind. Instead of being against Auburn and their fans this time, he would be working with them.
The purpose of Eli being in Auburn was ultimately for his show and filming an episode, around the hope that he could set a world record at Toomer’s Corner for most rolls of toilet paper thrown, with the help of Auburn University, its supporters, and anyone else who would like to join from the surrounding community.
“I expect to break a world record,” Manning said when I asked about his expectations for the event. "We’re here to break a world record and we’re going to make it happen... I expect to have a sore arm tomorrow from throwing so many.”
Eli filmed from different locations all day long, including filming shots in Auburn’s very own Melton Student Center, where I was able to meet him and have a sit-down interview with him, which will be featured on his show in addition to the world record attempt. In this interview, I was able to ask Eli about Auburn as a college town and his opinion of it, both as a player and now as a host of his very own show.
Manning lost his first SEC start against Auburn in 2001, falling 27-21. He would later get his revenge, revisiting Jordan-Hare Stadium as a senior in 2003 and securing a 24-20 victory.
By the end of his day in Auburn, Eli was ready to attempt the record, with an officiator standing by at Toomer’s Corner to verify it. As he took the stage, Manning announced he would be joined by two surprise guests: former Auburn star quarterback Patrick Nix and his son, Bo Nix, also a former Auburn star quarterback.
The event was full of life and a unique experience, with over 3,000 rolls of toilet paper thrown during the shoot. The most impressive moment was the simultaneous throwing of all the toilet paper at once, something that does not happen on a regular game-day basis.
The episode of "Eli’s Places" featuring the festivities and my interview is now airing on ESPN+.
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Reid is a sophomore majoring in accounting. He joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @ReidFarris2
