“The most valuable player is the one that makes the most players valuable.”
– Peyton Manning
As the much anticipated moment approaches, I can’t help but feel conflicted about whether I want one of the football leagues all-time greatest to hang up his jersey forever. At first, my thoughts were of course, what an epic way to end a spectacular 18-year career, but then I realized that Sunday’s might never be the same.
Peyton Manning played the game with such elegance, handled himself with such class and continued to effortlessly put his teammates in front of himself in every situation, on both the Bronco’s and the Colts. By doing so, he set the bar higher than ever for all quarterbacks, not only those currently in the league but also upcoming stars as well. There are many lessons professional athletes everywhere can learn from this man, and many records set that may never be topped. To name a few we have:
NFL Career Passing Touchdown Record: 539 yards
Most Passing Yards In A Career: 71,940 yards
Most Wins (including playoffs): 200 wins
Most Games Throwing For 300+ Yards: 93 games
Most Games With 4+ Touchdown Passes: 25 passes
Most Seasons Passing For 4,000+ Yards: 14 passes
Most Associated Press NFL MVP awards: 5 wins (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013)
Not many athletes would overcome three surgeries in a 19-month span and an entire season off of the field. Peyton did just that after signing for the Denver Broncos in 2012 for $96 million and becoming the AP comeback player of the year. Manning taught us that despite various obstacles that seemed threatening to a career, there was more fight left in him.
Thank you, Peyton for setting an example for young athletes everywhere, in all that you do on and off the field. Thank you for inspiring people to think and behave selflessly the way you did on the road to the Super Bowl, all the way into retirement. Thank you for showing fans everywhere what it really means to be a leader. Thank you for holding yourself to the highest standard possible, thus encouraging your teammates to do the same. Thank you for demonstrating the importance of never giving up, and teaching us that hard work and preparation can never be sacrificed.
Thank you for never being afraid to voice your thoughts and opinions about Faith, and the importance of a commitment to Christ. Thank you for not only wanting to win every single time you stepped out on the field, but also refusing to fail. Thank you for providing the NFL with endless entertainment and pure acts of class. Thank you for always speaking with such finesse and accrediting all those involved with your success. As John Gruden first said on Monday Night Football back in 2009, thank you for “laying down the law,” Sheriff.
Your monumental comebacks, groundbreaking seasons, and record-setting years will always be remembered.
