Although it's not official quite yet, it is very very probable that star quarterback Peyton Manning will be retiring. While there was much speculation that he would retire during the postgame Super Bowl presentation, this didn't happen to be case. The rumors of retirement nonetheless continue to swirl, and while Peyton says he's not sure what he's going to decide yet, the choice of retirement is looking very suitable. With that being said, here's some words to one of the best quarterbacks we've ever seen.
Dear Mr. Manning,
You had one hell of a career and I would like to thank you for leaving an impact on my own life. Ever since I was a little kid I idolized you on the football field.
Especially while on the Colts (where you were arguably the best of your career), you became my favorite athlete I had in my life and I'm so gracious for that. I remember wearing my extremely small Colts jersey as a kid like it was a religious practice. It was amazing. Seeing you get to play every Sunday instantly put you as one of my favorite athletes in the world.
Not to mention that you're one of the greatest quarterbacks, nonetheless players, of all-time. It's incredible to look at the list of accomplishments you've earned during your career. Having a pair of Super Bowl championships, a Super Bowl MVP, and the NFL record in career touchdown passes and passing yards are just some of the amazing accomplishments you've earned.
But the part that has had the biggest impact, especially on my life, is seeing you overcome the struggles of injury to be one of the best. It's obvious that you struggled with the neck surgery your entire career, and most recently your injury with your foot. So to see you overcome those obstacles gives everyone, especially the younger version of me, a sense of hope.
You've always been a wonderful personality in sports. You've never been put into bad light media, teammates, or whatever, and you've kept the integrity of football high. You've become an icon of not only the Indianapolis Colts but of the NFL. The legacy you've left may never be matched, and it's amazing that I'm willing to say I was alive to witness it.
Oh and of course, I want to make a comment about your Budweiser comment after the Super Bowl. I thought it was genius. Whether it was specific advertising or natural and authentic, I loved that. I thought that was one of the coolest sports moments in a while and it definitely attracted attention. And also congrats on the Super Bowl win, that was just an amazing way to end an amazing career.
So thank you again Peyton for being one of the best to ever do it. The NFL and the whole community of sports will miss you tremendously.
