The year without Peyton: it has not felt like ’98 but it has felt a lot like 2011 when he missed an entire season with neck injuries, or Super Bowl XLVlll when we had that devastating loss to Richard Sherman (I mean the Seahawks)... but worse, because now we haven’t had ANY Peyton.

Peyton has been different from the start, going to The University of Tennessee instead of his father’s Alma Mater, nobly staying for his fourth year at Tennessee, and always staying loyal to his “Rocky Top” roots with his killer dance moves in practice warm-ups and making regular appearances at Neyland.

We all felt such sadness listening to Peyton’s retirement speech, but also such honor and respect for not only the player he has been but the person he is. He changed the game of football and was never ever satisfied with his performances- he always needed to learn more, to be better. His retirement was truly an end of an era.

This is a time where we know there will never be another greatness of Peyton’s measure to grace us on the football field again.

Peyton, I too miss the touchdowns, the Tom Brady showdowns, the broken records, the “ducks.”

You changed the game, you broke record after record, you came back from injuries that many, not me, doubted if you could come back from. We watched as the team you built traded you and you showed up to the Broncos better than ever before, and ready to show everyone why you truly are the greatest of all time.

You are the game of football, and Sunday evenings just are not the same for me anymore. I watch the Broncos with such sadness, or I just don’t watch at all because it hurts too much to see someone besides you at Quarterback. I hear “Manning throws” and know that it isn’t “my” Manning throwing.

The game needs more humble, determined, knowledgeable players like you. The world needs more Peyton Manning’s.

Forever in our hearts, Peyton. You are the true GOAT — don’t let any announcer tell ya different.