While it's rumored that Raiders players Richard Seymour and Michael Huff have restructured their contracts in order to help the team get under the salary cap, the Peyton Manning story is anything but rumor.
Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback and living football legend Peyton Manning announced his free agency status as of today. Peyton sounded like a player giving thanks at the Hall of Fame podium. The shaky voice, the teary eyes and the heartfelt thanks for the memories was all on display as #19 said thank you and goodbye to the only NFL team he's ever played for.
It's been a fourteen year marriage between Peyton and the Colts. It's been a magically wonderful union of fans, franchise and player. The divorce will take time to get used to for all NFL fans, but as in all split-ups, time heals everything.
I personally would've liked to see Peyton Manning retire and not put himself at physical risk for serious neck injury. But I'm not Peyton Manning, son of Archie Manning, brother of SBLVI mvp Eli Manning. I'm not a field general who's been leading men to victory on the gridiron for fourteen seasons. And most of all, I'm not one of a handful of today's quarterbacks who make the NFL the number one professional sport in America.
That distinction belongs to a man who wears the crown of hero, role model, and humble champion like no other. Peyton Manning.
Peyton Manning, a throwback to an era of integrity, loyalty, dedication and guts in sports. Heck, in Life! We have been blessed to see him both on and off the field in this modern era of celebrity sports figures. And as greedy as we are to have him continue blessing us with his impeccable skills on football Sunday, I'd much rather hear of him living a healthy, injury free life while enjoying free time with family.
But if anyone has earned the right to play into his senior years if possible, that player is quarterback Peyton Manning. Thanks for the years Peyton and may your new journey be a safe one.
No comments:
Post a Comment