Caitlin Clark reveals her all-time favorite NFL player from childhood: "Everything comes full circle"

Caitlin Clark is arguably the biggest name in the WNBA right now and one of the biggest names in Indiana. The Indiana Fever rookie grew up in a sports-loving household, with both her and her father having a deep love for football.

The Indianapolis Colts played against the Arizona Cardinals in the pre-season game on Sunday. Before the game against the Seattle Storm, Clark told reporters that she grew up as a big Payton Manning fan and still has his jersey with her.

"I actually grew up a Payton Manning fan. I got this pink Payton Manning Colts jersey so it's kind of funny how everything kind of comes full circle," Clark said.

Payton Manning played 18 seasons in the NFL and played 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion and XLI Super Bowl MVP. Manning was also a five-time MVP in the league. He is considered one of the greatest players in NFL history.

Clark also said that given the rich sports culture of the city, it was easier for her to transition from Iowa to Indiana Fever.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever faced the Phoenix Mercury in the first game after the Olympic break, which they won 98-89. Clark came out with a different energy, dropping 29 points and 10 rebounds in just 36 minutes.

---

Caitlin Clark wanted to watch the Colts game with her dad

The Indianapolis opened their NFL season with a pre-season game against the Arizona Cardinals. A big-time football fan herself, Caitlin Clark said that her father wanted to watch the Colts' opening game.

The Fever rookie also said that it was a "nightmare" for her to return home after the game due to the heavy traffic in the area caused due to the Colts game.

Clark also added that although she wasn't able to make it to the game, she wanted to support all sports based in Indianapolis.

“I try to get out and support as much as I can," Clark said.

Caitlin Clark has been an excellent brand ambassador for sports not only in Indianapolis but for the entire women's sports. She has played a crucial role in attracting fans to women's sports.

Not only the tickets are getting sold out, but the overall viewership of the league has increased manifold. During the All-Star Weekend, WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison said that Caitlin Clark has a role in the increase of viewership of the WNBA.

"I'm not gonna deny the Caitlin Clark effect," Edison told IndyStar. "And we've really seen it most importantly in viewership, you know, our average viewership numbers are over 1.2 million."

In her rookie season, Clark is averaging 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.