The event that seemed impossible even 6 months ago happened today. The Indianapolis Colts released Peyton Manning. We knew this day was coming the past 3 months, but we never thought this was even a possibility until November 2011 or so. It's amazing how quickly things can change and like Kevin Garnett once deliriously shouted "anything is possible"! Manning and owner Jim Irsay appeared together and parted ways as friendly adults in an emotional news conference today. I thought they handled it in a classy manner given the circumstances though Irsay had some juvenile moments in this saga during the past few months. It was of course staged and had it's awkward moments from the point he picked him up yesterday from the airport, but it was done the right way. And the emotion, at least from Manning's side seemed real and genuine. It doesn't matter who you are, it's going to be tough to walk away from a place you have been working at for 14 years. And in his case, it's a workplace that made him incredibly rich, successful, famous and a living legend. He had some fun times there to say the least, including that super bowl win and it was definitely a tough day for him to cut that chord today.
Manning came in as a can't-miss rookie in 1998 and went 3-13 while showing several flashes of brilliance. The very next season, he threw for more than 4000 yards and helped the Colts go 13-3. The rest as they say is history. He pretty much became the face, heart and soul of the Colts and the city of Indianapolis for the next 14 years as the Colts kept winning many, many games. He took a mediocre franchise in a basketball town and made it the premier football franchise in the league. I once blogged that when you say "franchise player", the guys who are on the top of that elite list - the creme de la creme, are Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning and Tim Duncan. Their impact on the city and the franchise is way beyond what they did on the field for the duration of their career with the club. Unfortunately for the Colts, Manning's career with them is already over. The good news for them is that they have another can't miss prospect coming their way in the form of Andrew Luck. Another number 1 pick just in time to replace a legend. Reminds me of the Spurs scoring Tim Duncan with their number 1 pick many years after David Robinson. Of course, the circumstances there were different and Duncan and Robinson could play together and win a ring, but it is still interesting that the Colts are able to go from Manning to Luck. It will be totally unfair to expect Luck to be Manning-good, but even if he turns out to be a decent starting NFL QB, the Colts have nothing to complain.
It was the combination of availability of Luck, the high price-tag on Manning - $28 million for this upcoming year, and Manning's age that made this the right decision for the Colts. As they say, father-time is undefeated and Manning is the latest athlete joining that fight. Even without the four neck surgeries, you would think he has probably 2 good years left on the football field and if you are the Colts, you definitely go with the younger Luck. It will be interesting to see Luck play and evolve. Manning's shadow will definitely follow him for a while. The good news for Manning is that, he seems to be recovering well and capable of playing in the NFL again. If he can play, there will be no shortage of suitors for him. The entire NFC West, except the St. Louis Rams are in the list of teams somewhat to extremely interested in Manning. He is so good, he can pick his team and can also influence the receiving corps around him. We don't know how this will end for Manning, but it sure looks like he will have a new start at a new place soon and all eyes will be on him. The hype machine will be in full flow, and deservedly so. When Brett Favre started with the Jets, we were all watching and that season didn't end great for Favre though he had some good moments. Of course, he was spectacular with the Vikings the next year before fading away in 2010 when he was 40 years old. Manning is a little younger now than Favre was when he left the Packers, but he is also coming of major surgeries which was never the issue with Favre. But Manning will also not miss training camps and avoid starting the season late like Favre used to. So it will be interesting to see Manning in 2012. We already have a great story waiting for us to start the NFL season.
No comments:
Post a Comment