Glenn walked into the locker room in Hempstead, N.Y., with stars in his eyes. For his rookie year, 1994, his locker was next to Lott’s. Glenn held Lott, one of the NFL greatest safeties in NFL history, then at the end of his career, in such high regard that he had a hard time speaking to him like they were teammates. He’d call him a father figure.

“Obviously Aaron had great success running the defensive scheme for the Lions the last few years, had a long career, has great knowledge of the game,” Manning said on Thursday in Manhattan where he was hosting an event for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. “I think he’ll do a great job and be a great leader. I’m excited for him.”

Glenn, who was the team’s first-round pick in 1994, takes over a franchise desperate for a spark after a ninth straight losing season. Can he provide it? Time will tell.