The Peyton Manning Sweepstakes

The competition for Peyton Manning's services are in full swing now that he has been released by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning's career with the Colts was truly remarkable, including his multiple records, several trips to the playoffs, and two Super Bowl appearances. Number 18 helped transform an anemic Colts team when he took over, and he might be the one player in the NFL whose presence has the biggest impact on his team's ability to be successful. In 2009, the Colts finished 14-2 and made it to the Super Bowl. In 2010, they were 10-6 and made it to the playoffs. Playing without Manning in 2011, the Colts stumbled to a 2-14 mark, looking like a team that had desperately lost it's way and identity. Due to Manning's neck problems, his age, and the multi-millions the team would have to pay him, the organization has decided to cut ties and draft Andrew Luck as their QB of the future.

I have always enjoyed watching Peyton play, and marveled at his ability to dissect a defense and consistently move his team down the field. He always made everyone around him better, and he always seemed to be so well prepared for each and every game. His intelligence, outstanding leadership qualities, competitive spirit, and pin point accuracy as a passer are rivaled by very few QB's in the history of the NFL. He is one of the top three QB's I have watched during my lifetime, the other two being Joe Montana and Tom Brady. I think Aaron Rodgers may be in this category too before its all said and done. Personally, I am predicting that Peyton will end up in a warm weather city like Miami or Arizona, where there is a moderate level of talent. If this happens, and he can lead a mediocre team deep into the playoffs, or the Super Bowl, then his legacy will surely grow. I only hope that Peyton stays healthy and does nothing to jeopardize his long term health by taking the risk of playing again.

Manning can read defenses and throw the ball with the best of them.

He literally seemed to be making fun of defenses at times, just daring them to try and stop him.

A sign depicted in the Mile High city. Maybe the NFL should stand for Not For Loyalty. Tim Tebow can lead his team to a division crown, get them into the second round of the playoffs, and then wonder if he will be replaced by Peyton Manning.

Indy bids farewell to # 18.



Lights out.