The Curious Case of Peyton Manning

Peyton with his older brother Cooper in 1990

 
     The Polians are gone, and Colts Owner Jim Irsay is making all the decisions for the Colts. This means that everyone that contributed to their 0-13 start is now unemployed. However, it also means that the team is now moving in a different direction. New head coach Chuck Pagano will not have a say in roster moves, because he does not have the experience to demand that kind of power. This does not bode well for Peyton, because he is due a $28 million bonus in March, and its tough for Irsay to decide to pay that money out of his pocket before he knows if Peyton will ever play again. To make matters worse, there have been problems between Manning and the organization. In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Peyton said, "Everyone's walking around on eggshells." In response, Irsay said, "The horseshoe always comes first, and I think one thing he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is that, you know, you keep it in the family." Things are changing in Indianapolis, and that includes the quarterback situation. Things were not always this way. In fact, ever since he was born, The Sherriff has had smooth sailing.

Manning after being draft 1st Overall in 1998

      Born the son of a former NFL QB, Peyton Manning has always had high expectations, and has always exceeded them. In high school, he was the Gatorade National Player of the Year, and earned a full scholarship to the SEC's Tennessee Volunteers. In college, he threw for over 11,000 yards and became Tennessee's all-time leading passer, while also breaking the conference record for most wins in a career. In his final year, he finished 2nd in the Heisman Trophy voting and was later selected 1st overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

    Manning after winning Super Bowl XLI

     Throughout his 14 years with the team, they have went through some major ups and downs, but he has firmly established himself as one of the most consistent winners in NFL history. 9 consecutive playoff appearances from 2002-10. 2 Superbowl Appearances. 1 Superbowl Win. Aside from that, his personal success is arguably better than any other player in the history of the NFL. 11 Time Pro Bowler. 1 Superbowl MVP. 4 time League MVP.

Peyton waves to the fans, possibly for the last time

    Peyton Manning has been one of the faces of the National Football League for years, but it all came to a swift end this September when he had this third neck surgery in 2 years, and had to sit out the entire 2011 season. Everyone is doubting him right now. Many believe that he will be cut from the team, and others say that he will never play another down in the NFL. A swift and disappointing fall for one of the All-Time greats, but something tells me that this will not be the last chapter of his career. Peyton Manning, first and foremost, is a competitor. His whole family is competitive, and that is why they are such great athletes. The Colts look to have moved on, but expect Peyton to play somewhere next year. Whether it is in D.C, New York, Arizona, or someplace else, he will not let his career end like this.