In 1998 the Indianapolis Colts selected Peyton Manning as their first round draft pick. Ever since that day Peyton Manning has been number one on the Colts depth chart. Peyton has been a true definition of a franchise quarterback setting records, and winning four MVP awards, truly putting the Colts on the map.
During the 2011 season Peyton sustained a neck injury with his only option to undergo surgery called single level anterior fusion to fix the pinched nerve in his neck. This surgery would set Peyton out for a minimal of two to three months.
Well in recovery from the surgery Peyton was sat and forced to watch helplessly as his team, that he built from the ground up, come crumbling down. Slowly but surely talk of Manning’s career came into question, people began wondering if he’d ever play again, or maybe even be forced to watch a new young gun such as Andrew Luck come in and take over what in my opinion was rightfully Manning’s team.
On March 8th, 2012 Peyton Manning was released the by Colts effective immediately. Since that day Peyton has been exploring his options of where he will soon be signing on as a free agent, something no one ever thought they would hear. Jim Irsay in my eyes could be the most irresponsible GM in the NFL. How could you let go of one of the greatest players of this decade? Even if Peyton was not unable to play, you keep him around, and pay him whatever he wants for it.
Manning is a natural born leader, morale booster, and most of all a mentor. Andrew Luck may be an amazing football player, but Manning could teach him so much more. That to me is worth the 28 million dollar bonus that is owed to Peyton.
Instead the possibility of Peyton’s comeback is likely, and if Manning is forced to play his old team, you can guarantee he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder. So to Jim Irsay I suggest you watch your back.
