Not being able to play in the biggest game of your life is difficult.  When it's the second round of the biggest game of your life, it's equally difficult.  Mario Manningham has the catch that helped put the New York Giants over the top last season.  His catch while from Eli Manning helped the team win last year's Super Bowl, but he will be able to do nothing of the sort for the San Francisco 49ers this year.

Manningham suffered a torn ACL earlier this year and will be forced to watch the Super Bowl from the sideline.  The injury was devastating in and of itself, but not being able to help his team in the championship game makes it all the worse.  Manninham acknowledged this when he spoke with Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.


Manningham says he thinks about his famous catch from time to time, but it seems he is always focused on the job at hand.  Right now, he doesn't have a job besides being the team's biggest cheerleader.  And that's tough.

“Oh man, it is tough to watch,” Manningham said. “I know it was a special moment what we did with the Giants last year, but I wish I was out there with my team right now. These guys, they’re a special group of guys right here. I know they’re going to go get the job done.”

Even with Manningham out, his 49ers have a slight edge odds-wise in next week's big game.  However, odds are never going to be comforting enough to keep Manningham from feeling bad that he isn't out there.  Injuries, though, are inherent in the game.  All Manningham can do now is help his team keep focused and cheer them on.