How will you best remember Peyton Manning?

12 Comments

  • Kayjay - 8 years ago

    I'll Always remember him as the Sore loser who didn't shake Drew Brees' hand after OUR SB Win!

  • Angela - 8 years ago

    As the QB
    That never shook Drew Brees hand after Super Bowl 44

  • Karl - 8 years ago

    I'll remember Peyton snubbing Drew Brees and his hometown Saints after they beat him fair and square in the Super Bowl. His behavior then was not much different than Cam Newton's behavior this year. What happened to sportsmanship that day?

  • Sam Pineda - 8 years ago

    When I was nine years old, Peyton, you were drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. I wrote you a letter. There’s no telling what I said, and I’m sure it was one of hundreds of thousands you’ve received over the years. But you replied. Your response was short and simple, but its impact has been long and won’t soon be forgotten. So as you enter your next phase, allow me to say Thank You.

    THANK YOU for being a letter writer.
    The letter you wrote me is one of thousands you have sent children, fans, retired players, opponents and world leaders over the past 18 years. There’s no substitute for a handwritten letter. It shows that you value the one to whom you write. Your appreciation for others shows your character. It’s easy to throw money at a cause or charity, but time shows true value.

    THANK YOU for holding others to high standards. A true measure for any athlete is what his teammates say about him. For 18 years you made those around you better at what they do because of the standards you set for yourself. I’ve never heard a former teammate say a negative word about you as a teammate, leader, or friend. When a new teammate was drafted or signed, you were the first to call him and welcome him.

    THANK YOU for always showing gratitude for those around you. In victory, you were always quick to deflect personal attention and thank your teammates. But it was more than just teammates. You thanked coaches, family members, ball boys, equipment managers, even reporters. You always seemed to make an effort to thank those whom you knew no one else would recognize.

    THANK YOU for referring to sideline reporters by their first name. In the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, you always took time to speak to the media, and when you did you spoke to them as individuals. It was always “Thanks, Tracy!” or “I appreciate it, Sal.” I am sure that was always a breath of fresh air for them.

    THANK YOU for not retiring immediately after Super Bowl 50. If ever there was a chance to take a moment and make it about yourself, that was it. I suspect you had a pretty good idea of your next move, but that moment was about a team, an organization, a city. Much bigger than one man.

    THANK YOU for the way you graciously left Indianapolis. We’ll never know the pain you experienced in being let go by an organization that you put on the map. But your attitude in walking away was one of gratitude and reflection. Your impact on that city will be felt for decades to come.

    THANK YOU for returning to Tennessee for your senior year. You have always been a finisher and when you gave your word to Coach Fulmer to be there for four years, you did just that. I imagine what must make your decision to retire so difficult is the fact that you’ve never voluntarily walked away from any team you’ve been a part of.

    THANK YOU for giving back to others. The Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is a standing reminder of your charity and thoughtfulness toward others. But that’s only one example of the countless lives that have been changed and impacted by you. Books could be filled with the stories of terminal medical patients, widowed mothers, and veterans who have received a phone call, letter, visit, or personal invitation by you. But most of those stories will never be heard or written about. Because when those things happen, you don’t publicize them. You don’t have a twitter or Instagram page filled with your selfless acts because they are not unique events. That’s just who you are.

    Your awards, records and trophies speak for themselves. And as you give your retirement speech, I am certain it will be filled with countless words of appreciation. But allow me to be one who says Thank YOU #18.

  • Charles - 8 years ago

    Throwing the INT that cemented our beloved Saints Super Bowl win over the Colts;you have never heard a louder scream of joy!

  • Pete - 8 years ago

    I'll remember him as a quarterback that elevated the position

  • Connie - 8 years ago

    He will be remembered by me as a NO native, the reason my daughter went to Univ of Tennessee, as a Indy Colt, the quarterback my Saints beat in SB 44, a Bronco, someone I always wanted to hear at press conferences because he always appeared so honest in his comments and analysis of the game he just played. An ambassador of the game. The son of Archie and Olivia, good job guys!
    Peyton enjoyed the next chapter in your life, you will be great at whatever you choose to do and look forward to seeing what that might be. Will be routing for you at your Hall of Fame induction! Good luck!

  • Jesse O - 8 years ago

    As the guy who sexually assaulted his physician in college and then proceeded to ruin her illustrious career in the following 10 years or so. Also, the guy who never got called out for that. Helluva quarterback, terrible person.

  • jskit92380 - 8 years ago

    All of the above plus a very good person and great quarterback and team mate.

  • Monica - 8 years ago

    When he lost the Super Bowl XLIV against the New Orleans Saints.. Who Dat Nation Babee

  • Mark - 8 years ago

    Great leader and example of what it takes to be a quarterback in today's NFL. A litmus for all future quarterbacks to be measured by in talent and dedication to the game.

  • Jake d - 8 years ago

    Classy guy and great qb

Leave a Comment

0/4000 chars


Submit Comment