Team USA's Brett Manney: The Cliff-Jumping Joe Namath Lookalike

Fri Dec 6 2019 | Matt DaSilva | USA Insider
Indoor Men

PHOTO BY MIKEY WALLIN

Brett Manney served as a captain for the 2019 U.S. men's indoor national team, which took bronze in the world championship this September.

What was your proudest moment on the lacrosse field?

My junior year at Delaware, we made it to the final four and played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore in front of 45,000 people. It was the furthest our program ever made it and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for myself, our school, our program and teammates. We had some unreal players on that squad. Go Hens!

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

A dog. I have a 12-year-old Border Collie named Bodhi, named after Patrick Swayze’s character in “Point Break.” Everyone that knows me, knows him. He is such a lax dog. I bring him everywhere, even work.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steve’s Prince of Steaks’ steak sandwich. I’m a Philly boy. I have digested many of those over the course of my life.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

At a family vacation a few years ago in Jamaica, I went cliff diving. Nothing like jumping 40-plus feet into 80-degree water.

What’s one thing lacrosse really needs?

More awareness and involvement in urban environments — gear drives and low-cost products to help get the game out there.

Who is your favorite all-time teammate?

My twin brother. You always knew someone had your back. One time, a journalist referred to us as the Hanson brothers from “Slap Shot.” My mom was not very happy with that guy.

Have you ever been told you look like someone famous? Who?

Joe Namath a few times. Broadway Joe was a legend, so I will take it as a compliment.

OVERTIME (from Kylie Ohlmiller)

If you could go on stage at anyone’s concert, who would it be?

Red Hot Chili Peppers. Those guys have been rocking it for decades, and I admire how they still get hyped for shows.

DOUBLE OVERTIME (from @connor_mann.17)

Favorite part about playing in the NLL?

When you play at Buffalo, Colorado or Calgary where the crowd is 10,000-plus, that is an unreal feeling. Yet the best part is the incredibly talented teammates who I have the privilege to play with.