PEYTON MANNING: GOING OUT ON TOP
I’ll admit it. I wanted the Carolina Panthers to win Super Bowl 50. Not for any reason other than I really love watching Cam Newton play the game. Say what you will, he has fun. He’s the Stephen Curry of the NFL, and I love Steph. However, there is not a single argument that can be made against Peyton Manning winning Super Bowl 50 and retiring in the most perfect way possible. I mean, every football player dreams of playing on such a stage as the Super Bowl, better yet WINNING it to end your career. Pure perfection. As much as I enjoy watching Cam and his troop play the game and have fun, I was all in for this victory lap for one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.
As a child, I was a die-hard Tennessee fan. My father is a Vandy grad, so my love for the Vols stemmed straight from enjoying the experience that came from rooting against my Dad on Saturdays. I also liked the color scheme… give me a break, I was a kid! So I was fortunate enough to root for Peyton at a young age.
Regardless of your level of knowledge or interest in the game of football, everyone who has ever watched a game knows who Peyton Manning is. He’s a legend. He’s the sheriff! After 14 years building a legendary career with the Indianapolis Colts, he transitioned back to that gaudy Orange for his final years. It can be argued that his careers with BOTH teams are Hall of Fame worthy in and of themselves.
In case you didn’t know, Peyton ended his career with records on records. He leads the NFL in all-time passing touchdowns (539), passing yards (71,940) and is tied with Brett Favre for most ever wins as a QB (186 wins). Tie these in with 4 Super Bowl appearances and 2 rings, and you’ve got yourself an impressive career. I would easily compare Peyton Manning to the likes of Michael Jordan (NBA), Kobe Bryant (NBA), Derek Jeter (MLB) and Tiger Woods (PGA).
Although we all saw this day coming, did we ever actually want it to arrive? Did we want to see the end of an era that started before I was old enough to pick up the pigskin? I sure didn’t! NFL captured some audio from Manning’s conversation with Bill Belicheck after the AFC Championship where Peyton said, “This may be my last rodeo. So it sure has been a pleasure.”
After a season consisting of seven missed games (plantar fascia tear), a demotion to scout team in December and the rise back into the starting lineup just in time for the playoffs, Manning calls his final season “one of the most unique of his career”. But, as if fate itself stepped in to play, the Sheriff himself was able to ride off into the sunset and end his career with a Super Bowl victory.
Thanks for the memories, Peyton. 18 is a pretty good number.
