Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning called Jalen Brunson the "newest King of New York" following the New York Knicks' 2026 NBA championship win.
The endorsement from one of the city's most successful athletes signals a symbolic passing of the torch in the New York sports landscape. By crowning Brunson, Manning recognizes a performance that ended one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports.
The honor followed Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday, June 22, 2026 [3]. The Knicks secured the victory at Madison Square Garden, marking the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973 [2]. The celebration was highlighted by Brunson's dominant performance, as he scored 45 points in the title-sealing win [1].
Manning said his praise on social media and in a WWE promotional video to settle long-standing debates regarding the greatest athletes in the city. The timing of the tribute coincided with the immediate aftermath of the victory, cementing Brunson's status as a local icon.
While Manning offered the title, other perspectives on the city's sporting hierarchy remain. Some observers suggest that while Brunson is rising on the list of New York icons, he may not yet be the definitive number one. Additionally, conflicting reports have emerged regarding who first bestowed the title, though Manning's public declaration remains a primary point of discussion.
Brunson's Finals-MVP performance served as the catalyst for the franchise's return to glory. The 45-point effort [1] capped a season that saw the Knicks dominate the league and reclaim their position as a powerhouse in the NBA.
“Eli Manning called Jalen Brunson the "newest King of New York"”
The endorsement by Eli Manning bridges the gap between two different eras and sports in New York City. By linking Brunson to the 'King' title, Manning acknowledges that the Knicks' 2026 victory carries a cultural weight similar to the Giants' Super Bowl successes, effectively elevating Brunson from a star player to a permanent civic institution.
