AKRON, Ohio — On Thursday, NFL Legend Peyton Manning was honored in Northeast Ohio by being named the 2024 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award.
3News' Jay Crawford had the opportunity to sit down with Manning for an exclusive interview in Akron after he received the award from the Kaulig Companies Championship, PGA TOUR Champions and Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation.
“I’m very honored to receive this award,” said Manning. “It’s a distinguished list of individuals who have been named Ambassador of Golf and I’m proud to be listed alongside them. Golf has been a part of my sports journey – from playing with my dad growing up to playing with teammates throughout my career, golf has been important to me. I have great respect for the game and the impact it can have in a community, so this is a tremendous honor.
During the interview, the two talked golf, LeBron James, the Cleveland Browns and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
The full interview with Manning can be watched below:
Although they don't get to do it often, Manning said that his favorite golf foursome is playing with his dad and his two brothers.
The event was held on Thursday at House 330 in Akron. Guests enjoyed dinner, entertainment and an inside conversation with Manning. Proceeds from the event will benefit organizations through the Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation.
“Through the game, we all love, Peyton Manning, one of the preeminent athletes of his generation and currently one of the most recognized personalities in sports and entertainment, has used his platform to make golf more welcoming to all,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “These efforts and his values align with everything our sport stands for, and we are thrilled to honor him with the 2024 Ambassador of Golf award.”
The recognition came as Manning has been a champion for the game of golf while continuing to make a difference through charitable initiatives.
Manning served as the Honorary Chairman of the 2023 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship, held at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills, Colorado. He also participated in The Match: Champions for Charity in May of 2020, partnering with Tiger Woods to face off against Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson in an event that raised over $20 million towards coronavirus relief efforts.
Additionally, in November 2020, Manning paired up with NBA star and 2023 Ambassador of Golf Stephen Curry for The Match: Champions for Change, a charity event against NBA Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley and Mickelson that raised money for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Viewers can also watch Manning during the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies July 26 on WKYC.
"I do have an appreciation for the journey it takes to get to that big moment in your sports career, and I have enjoyed these past several months talking to different American athletes about their journey and what happened four years ago and their climb to get back," Manning added.
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