There are some events sports fans will never forget. From seeing Jackie Robinson walk out to first base in the first inning of a Dodgers game to watching the Green Bay Packers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the first Super Bowl, the last century of sports history has been anything but dull. While some events mark the beginning of a legacy—such as racial equality or the Super Bowl franchise—others tend to leave one behind.
Peyton Manning is a living legend, one that has left critics and fans in awe for the past 18 years. Ever since Manning stormed onto the college football scene wearing a Tennessee Vols jersey, he has held the hearts of football fans worldwide. His talent and skill pervades society, making him one of the most well-known NFL players of all time.
It could be said that Peyton Manning’s love of football was bred first and learned second. Peyton and his brother, Eli, grew up immersed in NFL culture. His father, Archie Manning, was quarterback for the New Orleans Saints and a legendary Hall of Fame member, who desired to share his love for the game with his sons. When Peyton was selected as the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 draft, it was clear that his father’s love for football—as well as extreme talent—had been passed on to Peyton.
When speaking of accomplishments, no one in the NFL realm is more decorated than Manning. In 2003, he won his first of five MVP awards, holding the record for most MVP awards won in NFL history. Manning also holds the record for career passing yards and passing touchdowns, while also ranking first for most passing touchdowns in a season. After the 1998 draft, Peyton went on to lead the Colts in winning eight division championships, two AFC championships, and, ultimately, Super Bowl XLI in 2006. He was named Player of the Decade in 2009 by Sports Illustrated and Fox Sports, and also dubbed the Best Player in the NFL.
Manning’s career was not free of setbacks, though. In 2011, after suffering from increasing arm numbness and neck pain, Manning underwent neck surgery, hoping to be well by the start of the 2011 season. However, still experiencing extensive pain, he underwent a second, more serious, surgery on his back that disqualified him from the duration of the season, eventually leading to his release from the Colts lineup.
While disappointed at his untimely dismissal from the team he had dedicated 14 seasons to, Manning was by no means ready to hand off the gauntlet. Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012, proving to be a perfect fit for the recently quarterback-free team. In completing his first full season with the Broncos, Manning demonstrated to skeptics that he was not quite ready to settle down, bringing the team’s season record out of the dirt to a pleasant 13-3. His success in his first regular season with the Broncos lead Manning to win Comeback Player of the Year in 2013.
Manning did not stop at silencing critics of his wellness; he sought after something greater: another Super Bowl win. At this point in his career, Manning had played in three Super Bowl championship games, yet had only one ring to show from them. In 2016, with rumors of retirement floating around him, Peyton Manning led his Broncos to play in Super Bowl 50 to end the 2015 season. The Broncos came out victorious, defeating Auburn alumni Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers 24-10. Wild speculation arose at the height of Super Bowl 50—was this it? Would Peyton Manning, at long last, turn in his jersey?
The answer to that question can be found all over ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Fox Sports, but I’d like to give it to you straight: Peyton Manning—the football legend, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever stand on a turf field in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans—retired Mondaye morning, March 7, 2016, stating “I’ve fought a good fight. I’ve finished my football race and after 18 years, it’s time. God bless all of you and God bless football.”
God sure blessed football when He gave it Peyton Manning. Let’s hope someone, someday, will be great enough to fill Manning’s shoes (and also pray that Tom Brady doesn’t get too bored).
