After a show-stopping 18-year career, Peyton Manning bid the National Football League farewell. Following his second career Super Bowl win against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, the 39-year-old ended his career in style and left the league as a true champion.
Manning has been a part of most American’s sacred Sunday afternoon ritual for almost two decades, and teammates and fans alike will surely miss his commanding presence and talent on the field. Manning’s long journey may be over, but it was a tremendous one from start to finish. From being drafted first overall in 1998 to the bitter-sweet Super Bowl victory that everyone knew would be his last, Manning has surely left his mark on the NFL and the sport of football.
Regardless of whether or not you followed the Colts or the Broncos, it’s impossible to deny that Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever grace the NFL. However, people won’t solely remember Manning for the number of championship rings he has, or the massive number of games he has under his belt. People will remember him for the standard of excellence that he brought to the sport of football.
Longtime rival Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, even acknowledged Manning’s contributions to the sport. Shortly after Manning announced his retirement, Brady posting a congratulatory message on Facebook, saying, “Congratulations Peyton, on an incredible career. You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better. It’s been an honor.” As a fan, it has truly been an honor to watch Manning grow as both a player and person and witness the greatness of one of the most talented men in football.
Being good was never enough for Manning, and it never will be. He always strove to be the best of the best and would quietly put in long hours of hard work to ensure that his performance was at 100 percent every time he stepped onto the field. His hard work and determination led to him two Super Bowl Championships, 14 Pro Bowls and three league records.
Yet, despite all of his grand achievements and numerous accolades, he has always been nothing but humble. Manning would never accept the praise for a hard-fought victory or a well-executed play; he would rather acknowledge his teammates and coaches and attribute his success to them. Manning’s respect for the game is unmatched, and he has undoubtedly presented himself as one of the most honorable men in sports.
Humble in victory and gracious in defeat, Manning has cemented himself as football legend. It has truly been an honor to be a part of Manning’s career. Fans have cheered along with Manning after every victory and have felt the same anguish after tough post-season losses. But, through victories, losses and a fair share of injuries, the world has gotten the opportunity to love the incredible athlete and man who Manning has become.
So thank you, Manning, for sharing your talent and passion with the world. But Sunday afternoons will never be the same without you on the field.
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