Peyton Manning: A weird and ugly ending is at hand in Indy
Peyton Manning, shown here not playing. (AP photo)
The Super Bowl dwarfs all else in North American sports, but the Super Bowl will be only the second-biggest story in this year’s host city. Of greater interest in Indianapolis is what’s happening with Peyton Manning, the only NFL player who’s a team unto himself.
Everybody knew Peyton Manning was a great player, but just how great was revealed only when, for the first time since he was drafted out of Tennessee in 1998, he wasn’t able to play. For 13 seasons and through 227 consecutive starts, Manning made the Colts a viable concern. Then he had offseason neck surgery and was so slow to heal that he missed not just a start but a season.
With Manning, the Colts had made the playoffs 11 times in 12 seasons. Without him, they did well to win two games. They were the NFL equivalent of the Cleveland Cavaliers after LeBron James took his talents elsewhere, and here we thought that in football no one man could mean half that much. For more than a decade Manning conveyed the aura of overall excellence on the team that wears the horseshoe, and in one winter his absence gave lie to all that.
And now the Colts, having fired their vice chairman, their general manager and their head coach, stand ready to dump Manning, too. By being so awful, they gained the right to pick first in the NFL draft. The draft’s prize is Andrew Luck, considered the most NFL-ready quarterback since … er, Peyton Manning.
(There was some thought that the Colts would take Luck and make him Manning’s understudy for a year or so, but that’s no longer the way the NFL works. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco played right away. Mark Sanchez and Cam Newton played right away. Andrew Luck needs to play right away.)
There’s also a monetary concern. The Colts, who paid Manning $26 million for a season he missed, are obliged to pay a $28 million bonus if he’s on the roster as of March 8. This payout figured to be money well spent so long as Manning was healthy and taking the Colts to the playoff, but the moment he couldn’t go — the first such moment in his professional life — he became a drain on the franchise he’d spent 13 years propping up.
Last week the actor Rob Lowe tweeted that “his source” told him that Manning was going to “retire today.” Lowe is known to be buddies with Jim Irsay, the Colts’ owner who fancies himself a cool guy and who buys vintage guitars used by famous rockers and who once paid $2.4 million for Jack Kerouac’s original manuscript of “On The Road.” Everyone assumed Lowe’s “source” was indeed Irsay, which Lowe has denied.
Then Manning spoke with Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star, expressing his desire to remain a Colt, but lamenting the mood in team headquarters, saying: “It’s not a real good environment down there right now.”
Then Irsay, who apparently inherited the tin-eared gene from his dad, Robert Irsay, the man who Mayflower’ed the Colts out of Baltimore in the dead of a winter night, responded by calling Manning “a politician” and criticized him for going outside “the family.” So now we know:
The Manning era in Indy isn’t just at an end — it’s at a bad end.
For the record, Irsay and Manning related a joint statement Friday saying: “We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us.” Also for the record, nobody has yet found a good way to handle quarterback successions. The tumult from letting Joe Montana leave so Steve Young could take his place divided the 49ers and their fans, and there was great hand-wringing in Green Bay when Brett Favre unretired after a teary benediction. (The Packers chose to stick with heir-apparent Aaron Rodgers; Favre wound up with the Jets.)
If he can play — and there’s no assurance he can — Manning could well win a Super Bowl elsewhere soon. (He turns 36 in March.) In the short term, he’d surely be better off elsewhere. Nobody wants to see a great quarterback toiling for a no-chance team. (Remember Johnny Unitas as a San Diego Charger? No? There’s a reason.) At the same time, it’s unfair to blame the Colts for wanting to begin their reboot with a younger man: That’s the way of all sports.
Still, this final episode of Peyton’s Place has at its heart a cruel twist. The guy who never missed a start and who made the Colts look far better than they really were finally missed a start and unmasked the horseshoe organization as a one-man gang. Now the one man will be given by the boot. Maybe Jim Irsay can get his soon-to-be-former-employee a rate from Mayflower.
By Mark Bradley
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156 comments Add your comment
headley lamar
January 27th, 2012
10:35 am
First !!!
headley lamar
January 27th, 2012
10:38 am
Thinking of Manning s playing days being over makes me feel old.
Mark Bradley
January 27th, 2012
10:38 am
One week, two rounds of kudos for Headley.
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
January 27th, 2012
10:45 am
Not as ugly as your defense accidentally scoring 2 points in their third straight playoff loss.
me
January 27th, 2012
10:48 am
Mark,
If you had been paid $26M last year, would you worry about the $28M this year?
Jesus Christ
January 27th, 2012
10:49 am
Please don’t put LeBron James in the same category as Peyton Manning.
Allen Iverson was a superior player to James.
Sid
January 27th, 2012
10:51 am
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH January 27th, 2012 10:45 am
Not as ugly as your defense accidentally scoring 2 points in their third straight playoff loss.
*****************************************************
Obviously you haven’t looked in the mirror lately…………..now that’s ugly!
SC Ace
January 27th, 2012
10:52 am
Enter your comments here
Sid
January 27th, 2012
10:52 am
Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight: “If there is a villain in this tragedy, it lies in that investigation and not in Joe Paterno’s response.”
Aaron
January 27th, 2012
10:52 am
Assuming Peyton’s days in Indy are over, at least it’ll end better than Favre in Green Bay.
Unless Peyton goes to the Browns or Jets and leads them to the AFC championship game.
Peadawg
January 27th, 2012
10:53 am
Being completely serious when I say Peyton should be the MVP.
Red Stick
January 27th, 2012
10:54 am
Peyton is a great player but it seems unfathomable that the team would only win 2 games without him.
The NFL is big business and I think it comes down to the money. $28 million is a lot to dole out when you will have to pay Luck big bucks. The Colts have to retool anyway so why keep Manning?
Manning is at the twilight of his career so why would he want to stay on a team that’s in a rebuilding mode? He will move on and be a great quarterback for someone else for a few years as long as he’s healthy.
I don’t know if you can fault either side on this.
Geaux Tigers
SEC Champions
SC Ace
January 27th, 2012
10:54 am
Too bad. He deserved to go out on his terms there, but you can’t fault the Colts now. And, really, does a new coach want to be overshadowed by his QB and does he really want the QB to call all the plays?
Where does he go? Worth noting that Arizona did pretty well with a veteran at a similar stage (Kurt Warner).
Say It Aint So
January 27th, 2012
10:55 am
HAHA- Kick Rocks.
Now, the days of the Manning family manipulating the NFL, ala Archie with Eli’s draft fiasco are in the rear view mirror. I bid good bye Jug Head. No wonder he had neck problems, wearing a 4X helmet with do that.
GTJason
January 27th, 2012
10:55 am
His endorsements trump the $26M 10 fold I bet. He has all of the best ones…
rduck
January 27th, 2012
10:55 am
Hate to see this all go down the way it has, but as you wrote Mark… that is the way of sports. There comes a time when an owner and a franchise has to do what is best for the organization, even if that means parting ways with a legend who may be passed his prime. Peyton is a class act and I wish him the best. Hopefully he will fully heal and maybe play again. But the Clots have to move on. Luck will be the man next year and I think he will do well.
matt
January 27th, 2012
10:59 am
Can we let Matt Ryan sit behind Peyton for a couple years?
Say It Aint So
January 27th, 2012
11:00 am
Theres no way if Peyton leaves as a free agent and sign with the Jets. NY can’t take 2 Mannings in the same town and share the same stadium.
abby normal
January 27th, 2012
11:01 am
It’s always difficult to see a class guy like Peyton Manning put in a situation like this. If it was me, I would call it a career, go out on my own terms. Why risk further injury at this point? He’s going to the HOF and certainly has nothing left to prove to anyone. I think he owes it to his family to walk away healthy.
SC Ace
January 27th, 2012
11:01 am
It would be, on the one hand, annoying as crap, but on the other hand, perfect in many ways, if Manning finished his career with the Titans. I mean, good lord think of the marketing for the team, the local buzz.
Die Hard Falcon
January 27th, 2012
11:02 am
I think it’s sad & foolish perhaps, only time will tell. If Peyton comes back and can play this year, the Colts should give him a couple of years to play and teach Luck, I think it really benefitted Rodgers to have those years behind Favre. Ryan, Flacco, Newton, etc. all played b/c they were the best option their teams had available on the roster, I say if they could sit and learn behind a future HOF’er, and there’s no doubt about Petyon and his knowledge, then it should be done. I won’t say that I hope the Colts flop, b/c Luck doesn’t deserve to be punished, but this is one of those bitter pills that are part of the NFL, just like Montana. Best of luck to Peyton and I really am hoping we get to see him play somewhere this year and that he gets to go out in a more dignified manner. If not, the Falcons need a QB coach and that would be phenomenal if he came here to fill that position. Just some wishful thinking I suppose.
Sid
January 27th, 2012
11:04 am
It’s a business and the Colt’s would be fiscally irresponsible to do anything other than to cut Manning loose. Someone will sign him. I think a lot of Colt’s fans will say “Say it isn’t so” but deep down they agree. Wouldn’t it be fun to have Manning vs the Colt’s in a Superbowl down the road.
lanier
January 27th, 2012
11:04 am
he will go eleswhere and in 2 years win the SB Probably Miami
Colts owner Jim Irsay upset with Peyton Manning’s comments – Boston Herald | moneybusinessblog.info
January 27th, 2012
11:05 am
[...] between Manning and Colts?CBSSports.comWashington Post (blog) -NBCSports.com -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 1,207 news [...]
Gene
January 27th, 2012
11:05 am
Manning is a great player, who should retire rather than risk further injury. He has been more than dedicated to that organization and team and deserves better treatment. However, he is a smart guy and has the personality and knowledge to be an effective coach.
AM
January 27th, 2012
11:09 am
Peyton Manning will be in the Pro Football HOF one day. I’d love to see him play some more…in the meantime….GO GMEN!!
MountainDawg
January 27th, 2012
11:11 am
Peyton’s a shoe-in Hall of Famer, and doesn’t need to “prove” anything further. He should check his ego and retire (to safeguard his health). He can still make plenty of $$$ via endorsements, NFL analyst, etc.
GTBob
January 27th, 2012
11:12 am
This will be the biggest story in football next year. Bigger then Tebow. I personally hope Manning goes somewhere else and wins a Super Bowl.
Gator Mike
January 27th, 2012
11:14 am
His health will come first because he is a smart guy. Hopefully, he will be able to play 2 more years, but the Colts are probably not in the picture. If Peyton and Jim Harbaugh could work together, the 49ers would probably win a Super Bowl. However, Jim Harbaugh’s ego would probaqbly not allow Peyton in S.F.
Good luck Peyton!
Sid
January 27th, 2012
11:16 am
matt January 27th, 2012 10:59 am
Can we let Matt Ryan sit behind Peyton for a couple years?
******************************************************************
In 08′ Manning was ranked 5th, Ryan 11th.
In 10′ Manning was ranked 10th, Ryan 11th.
In 11′ Matt Ryan was ranked 8th.
Matt Ryan will do just fine in 2012 behind a retooled O-line.
Sid
January 27th, 2012
11:17 am
Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight won a thunderous standing ovation when he defended Paterno’s handling of the 2002 allegations against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. Paterno, he hinted, had been made a scapegoat.
“If there is a villain in this tragedy, it lies in that investigation and not in Joe Paterno’s response,” Knight said. Paterno’s widow, Sue, was among those rising to their feet.
Die Hard Falcon
January 27th, 2012
11:17 am
@GTBob –
I agree, if the Falcons aren’t in the running and he doesn’t go to a team I hate (I think most of them already have a QB) then I’d definitely root for Manning to go out on top, maybe Arizona, him and Fitzgerald (another class act) that would be pretty cool.
Sid
January 27th, 2012
11:19 am
Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight “If there is a villain in this tragedy, it lies in that investigation”
Sid
January 27th, 2012
11:20 am
FYI: Tebow isn’t much of a big story right now.
Die Hard Falcon
January 27th, 2012
11:21 am
@Sid –
Glad to see there are actual Matt Ryan fans on a Falcons team blog. I get so sick of defending him to all the haters on here who have illogically-based arguments as to why they think he sucks or is mediocre or whatever. MR2 is a top 10 QB and all fans of the Falcons should root for their QB. At the very least I shouldn’t be considered a “homer” b/c I God-forbid cheer for my own team and their QB, who by all empirical, factual data is a top 10 guy and a class act.
Cobb Dawg
January 27th, 2012
11:22 am
I wouldn’t assume that Peyton will necessarily play anywhere next year, even if he’s healthy. The guy certainly has enough money already, and frankly, his personality, work ethic and media appeal give him the ability to go way beyond football if that’s what he wants to do. There are a hundred different directions he could take with his life — will be interesting to see which one he chooses next.
Cobb Dawg
January 27th, 2012
11:22 am
And once again, great insights, MB.
slydog.
January 27th, 2012
11:25 am
He needs to retire just in case these last years get ugly. However, it would be sweet irony if he could be traded to the Jets, the Ravens (yeah, I said that), the Redskins, the Cowboys (especially after what Jerry Jones said, he may have tipped his hand), and maybe even Miami.
Sid
January 27th, 2012
11:25 am
Jesus Christ January 27th, 2012 10:49 am
*******************************************************************
All hell, I thought I had more time!
1eyedJack
January 27th, 2012
11:27 am
Manning can put on his Hall of Fame Stetson and ride off into the sunset.
Gator Mike
January 27th, 2012
11:29 am
Cobb Dawg: Your assessment makes the most sense to me.
slydog.
January 27th, 2012
11:31 am
BTW, while Matt Ryan may not be an elite talent level QB, he is still good enough to win a Super Bowl. Kurt Warner wasn’t all that great throughout his career. What was he without a bevy of weapons and a great play-caller? A fumbling baffoon. Would you rather have Tony Romo? Jay Cutler, while I like his fire, he is a quitter and a cry baby. Matt Ryan has one problem: leadership. He needs to chew somebody’s butt out when they drop passes or when they blow protection. The other thing missing is lack of critical play-calling and no identity on offense. This is a run first team that needs a more explosive running back. Matt Ryan is not a QB you want to throw 40+ times a game.
harold
January 27th, 2012
11:32 am
THE ENTIRE VOL NATION IS WAITIN’ ON PEYTON TO RETURN TO TENNESSEE TO RESTORE THE GLORY. HE WILL BE THE HEAD COACH AT UT SOON!
Die Hard Falcon
January 27th, 2012
11:32 am
@slydog –
I don’t think Peyton would want to go into the turmoil of the Jets lockerroom and the media circus under Sexy Rexy. The Ravens wouldn’t make that deal I think unless they’re giving up on Flacco, which would shock me. I would be sick if he went to Dallas, I hate the Cowgirls, fortunately I don’t think it would happen w/ Romo there. Redskins make sense, Miami too, but from what I’ve heard Arizona & Seattle are being talked about in NFL circles, of course rumors are just that.
slydog.
January 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Manning would never go to Seattle or Arizona. If he went to the Jets, he would instantly unify that locker room, even though the media mess would annoy him. I see Miami, followed by Washington, with Dallas and Kansas City as dark horses.
Tumbledown
January 27th, 2012
11:36 am
The Colts during the Peyton era are the NFL version of the Atlanta Braves (the Braves of 1991-2005). Both teams advanced to the playoffs numerous times but had only one championship at the end of the day. Manning himself was the NFL equivalent of Smoltz-Glavine-Maddux. While the Braves had flaws in their offense and bullpen during their playoff run, the Colts also had many flaws outside of their QB that prevented the team from being a dynasty and were readily exposed during the past season.
Manning and the Colts should come to an amicable parting of ways. The Colts need to go in a different direction, and Manning deserves an opportunity to play for a contender if healthy. There is no reason for any animosity as a split will help both sides move on the next phase.
Vols85
January 27th, 2012
11:42 am
I don’t think that Peyton’s comments were intentionally meant to start any kind of drama or divide. I believe him when he lamented how hard it is to say good-bye to all the people you’ve worked with for so long in order to achieve such a successful run. If you’ve ever gone through a downsizing or outsourcing in the private sector you understand his reaction. Going forward it does sound like both Peyton and Irsay have learned from this exchange and will keep between themselves. Which leads to the multi milltion dollar elephant in the room.
Sadly, I don’t believe that Peyton will ever play again, not for the Colts or anyone else. I hope I’m wrong, but like Irsay said this isn’t an ankle or a shoulder. This is an injury which still hasn’t shown marked improvement after three surgeries and one that would be only one violent collision away from irreprable damage. I don’t believe the Colts or any other team will take a chance on a QB who will demand Peyton type money with this kind of health concern/red flag attached. Nor do I feel that Peyton, competitive as he is, would put himself through something that has such potentially long term harmful after effects. I believe Peyton’s current medical status will give the Colts a reason to save the millions of dollars and release him. Irsay states that it’s not about money, but that’s his turn at being a politician. EVERY decision in the NFL is made under the direction of money whether it’s new stadiums, network TV deals, merchandising, player contracts, or the cap. There is no way the Colts, and seriously who can blame them, are going to devote that much money to one position. It’s sentimental at best and foolish at worse. The Colts are old and have waaaay too many other areas on the team that need upgrading, not to mention free agents that they must make decisions on. So from a business point of view, and the Colts are a business, this elephant in the room that won’t heal just made their decision a lot easier. They need Peyton’s bonus money to dedicate to an upgraded roster along with a new, young, and healthy QB to take them into the next decade. But, boy would I love to be proved wrong.
Matt
January 27th, 2012
11:47 am
If Emmit Smith, Brett Favre, and Joe Montana can play for someone else so can Manning. He didn’t actually think they would give up the opportunity to be good for another 13 years on the hope that he MIGHT be able to get back to where he was and be good for another 2-3 did he???
Matt
January 27th, 2012
11:55 am
Harold- HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! GOOD ONE!!!
Steve
January 27th, 2012
11:57 am
Common Jets!!! Get Mark a tutor! Peyton’s gonna be available really soon.
chris
January 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
Hate to see it but in a way its best for both..I do hope he ends up with a winner and wins another Super Bowl somewhere…itd be nice to see him a Falcons uniform at some point as a back up and tutor to Ryan before he retirese..just saying
trademark
January 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
…or he COULD end up in Jacksonville….Gabbert was rushed into duty too early and under a questionable OC (urg.). He could stand a year or two of tutelage under Manning. Plus, Mularkey can make himself a genius again with a QB like that calling all the plays and him taking the credit for the designs….
bowman
January 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
Adding Peyton Manning to their rosters suddenly makes either Arizona or Seattle a contender for a spot in the Super Bowl.
May Jim Irsay rot in hell, alongside his father.
Relax, folks
January 27th, 2012
12:03 pm
If Peyton does not get a clean bill of health its all a moot point but if he does he’s not gonna want to uproot so he will become an unrestricted free agent and sign with his Colts for the hometown discount you heard it here first
doc
January 27th, 2012
12:04 pm
to mention johnny u in the same breath as peyton is so appropriate. no other quarterback since has had his eminence impregnated on him as peyton does of unitas beyond wearing the horse shoe. i dont really want to see pictures of peyton beaten up as was unitas in a charger uniform. nor do i want it to be like y a tittle bleeding on the ground, he of similar ilk to johnny u as he passed into the realm of a nobody over the hill. peyton had better choose wisely a team with a fearsome front for him as he needs a solid posse at this stage of his career and he had a mighty one if he continues on. i dont think it was all in his release that will only get slower.
i have also lost respect for the colt brand, once again, as irsay spins it that manning should keep it to himself and in house as he brags about what he is doing in his franchise to his own cronies. it isnt about health, family but about money and it should be but dont spin it otherwise irsay and it well should be as it is a business. i only wish we could ship him on mayflower.
GTJohn
January 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
Matt Ryan could use some coaching and now the best is available.
If Arthur really wants a Super Bowl ring, he now has the chance to start coaching up his talent.
Relax, folks
January 27th, 2012
12:17 pm
Peyton is a little nervous because he has vivid memories of how the beloved Marvin, Edge and Howard Mudd got ushered out
Baltimorecolts
January 27th, 2012
12:19 pm
Irsay traded Unitas and now Manning. The “family” eats itself.
Indydawg
January 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
As someone who lives in Indy, this story has been brewing for the past year. Peyton is not healthy, he knew it when he had the surgery late. The fanbase here is fractured. Peyton is not signing a hometown discount. The best thing to do for all parties involved is to let Peyton go to another team and continue the process of trying to rebuild. On a side note, the similarities between the Braves (who I rooted for growing up) and the Colts are remarkable.
extremus
January 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
The irony, from what I hear, is that a lot of Manning’s extended neck issues stemmed from the effects of the lockout and the fact he wasn’t allowed to see team doctors during that period. I mean, sure, the guy probably could have easily paid out-of-pocket for such examinations/treatments, but in any case he wasn’t ready when the season started. It could be argued that Indianapolis was the hardest-hit team from the NFL lockout just by what happened in Peyton Manning’s case.
In any case, I hope he recovers and does well somewhere (just not against the Falcons).
Jim R.
January 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
Joe Namath in a Rams Uniform, Franco Harris in a Seattle Seahawks Uniform, and Emmitt Smith in a Arizona Cardinals Uniform did not seem right.
Booger
January 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
Lousy Irsay’s. Like father like son, creeps. I still remember the spineless middle of the night move out of Baltimore so they wouldn’t have to face the fans or the local media.
GTT
January 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
Steve Bartkowski in a Rams uniform. Thanks, a lot Dan Henning.
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
January 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
“Obviously you haven’t looked in the mirror lately…………..now that’s ugly”
Try again, little fella.
Shug
January 27th, 2012
12:44 pm
The Colts need to get rid of Manning now. Otherwise they’ll be heading into Favre/Paterno territory.
Josh
January 27th, 2012
1:08 pm
Both the Colts and Manning are in difficult spots and I can’t blame either one for their perspective. If this season exposed anything about the team, the Colts HAVE to be planning for the future (Luck). Peyton still wants to play and, if healthy, CAN play. Can’t blame either for their position. “Hello, Rock. I’m the Hard Place, nice to meet you.”
atlvol55
January 27th, 2012
1:08 pm
I had a chance to meet Peyton a couple of times when I was at TN. He was a little older, but a really nice guy.
This is a tough situation for both. I understand the Colts positition. I personally hope Peyton does get cut and can carefully choose which team he wants to go to.
I know several of my friends are exhausted from hearing me talk the last few years about how the Colts really didn’t have very much talent.
In Peyton’s earlier years with Harrison and a younger Wayne and Addai, they did have good talent. However, as someone who became a Colts fan because of Peyton, I would get so disgusted at watching the Colts draft. Its almost as if they have something against the SEC (Manning excluded of course), but they passed up on so many quality guys and really have had a lot of draft busts. The Colts do evey TRY to get anyone in free agency.
I think Manning could be much better off with a team that actually cares about defense other than pass rushing DE’s. I watch all of the Colts playoff games and one theme always happens. Other teams run down their throat and the Colts can’t get anyone off the field. While the Colts have some nice guys, they have made many bad player choices which have left them with very little talent.
AM
January 27th, 2012
1:17 pm
Peyton Manning will make a great football coach…that would have been the smart play for Indy…retain Manning as quarterbacks coach.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 27th, 2012
1:23 pm
At least Indy knows when to cut ties and he is not a bust.
HA HA HA
Peyton Manning And The Worst Goodbye Party Ever – SB Nation | Sports Headline News
January 27th, 2012
1:25 pm
[...] way out. If this is how it ends for Manning, Jim Irsay, and the Colts, the lesson is hard to ignore.Peyton Manning: A weird and ugly ending is at hand in IndyAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)LOPRESTI: Super Bowl legacy not limited to winnersStaunton News [...]
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
All the coaching in the world wont convert a bust to a legit playoff winner
R
January 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
Mountain Dog – You dumb b#%t@!d, it’s “shoo- in” !
Skeezix
January 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
I too was very glad to hear what Phil Knight said at the memorial service for Mr. Paterno.
Such sad behavior by Penn. State Administrators/Trustees (cowardly) and so many in today’s tabloid media.
Hope Peyton leads his next team to the Super Bowl next season and the Colts suck very, very badly.
Skeezix
January 27th, 2012
1:35 pm
Hey! Where’s my post? I’m stuck in the ajc’s black hole again….
A
January 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
I met peyton in 97 in buckhead after he won the sec champ. nice guy
AM
January 27th, 2012
1:44 pm
Irsay wanted to keep things “in the family” but blabbed to Sodapop Curtis. Just another old man who wants to appear hip and cool…act your age you old fart!!
Let me be the first to predict that PM will win more games than AL in 2012.
Irsay
January 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Don’t believe what the press says, Peyton and I are the of friends. It really isn’t about the money. I really wouldn’t discard someone who had been so important to my team over the last 13+ years. My Dad really didn’t abandon the people of Baltimore and sneak out under the dark of night like the media says.
Trust me.
Told You So
January 27th, 2012
2:06 pm
Maybe Dummytroff can trade Matt Ryan and all of our draft picks through 2015 to Indianapolis for Peyton. After all, we are only one player away…..
Juliet
January 27th, 2012
2:09 pm
Love the photo and caption.
gdawginkalamazoo
January 27th, 2012
2:47 pm
HOF career, Super Bowl ring, passing records, the respect of the team and fans that chose you to make a difference in Indianapolis. Walk a away while you can still walk. Don’t risk that life altering injury that will affect your family life. Don’t Favre this one up Peyton. Walk away. You have done enough, you have more than enough. At this point in your career you can’t gain any more respect than you have now, you can only lose it. For one of the few good guys in the NFL that will be hard to watch.
William Smith
January 27th, 2012
2:54 pm
Peyton Manning was the best and worst thing that ever happened to the Colts. He was good enough to win games the Colts should have lost,and at the same time kept them high enough to prevent them from drafting the talent to improve the team. How many games do you think the Colts would have won this year with a healthy Manning? I bet they would have made the playoffs. Time for the Colts to move on. Peyton needs to be on a team with a young quarterback that needs mentoring but has the team around him to get better quickly. The only problem is by the time you pay Manning you will not have the money to keep that team together.
North Avenue Ned
January 27th, 2012
3:02 pm
Most of you people don’t have the brains found in a mule’s a$$hole.
Richard
January 27th, 2012
3:15 pm
If there’s one team that should shell out the cash for Manning, it’s San Francisco. Definitely worth risking him not being healthy and they won’t land a franchise QB with their low pick.
Joseph
January 27th, 2012
3:20 pm
In response to the comment about Payton and the browns…the only way the browns will ever make the playoffs is to move to another division………even the mighty Payton could get this team 2 wins over both Pitt and. Baltimore.
sam
January 27th, 2012
3:33 pm
I don’t see a competitor like Manning going down without a fight, and I’m thinking the Titans would be the perfect place for him next year. He’d be going back to the state where he is a legend, and he could enjoy kicking the butts of the “rebuilding” Colts twice a year! Take that Mr. Keep it In the Family!!
Indy Idiots?
January 27th, 2012
3:49 pm
If Peyton can play the Colts are the stupidest team in the history of the NFL. My question…….CAN PEYTON PLAY?! I cannot believe the Colts would NOT keep Peyton if he can play.
Beast from the East
January 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
Reality finally set in this year in Indy. They SUCK! Two wins without Peyton at the helm???? I think Bama could have won more than 2 games in the NFL last year. Peyton, either go somewhere else with a quality roster or call it quits. You’ll get killed playing for the worst team in the NFL.
Hillbilly D
January 27th, 2012
4:12 pm
Every once in a while, we get a reminder that sports are big business and it’s mainly about money. This is one of those times.
SPS
January 27th, 2012
4:15 pm
I always thought he was in the top 4 of all time best QBs. After this year, I think he was #1. Should have won the MVP award this year, without even playing. A perennial Superbowl contender was unmasked to be a cellar dweller without him. The Pats won 9 games the year Brady was hurt.
Hillbilly D
January 27th, 2012
4:17 pm
Should have won the MVP award this year, without even playing.
He definitely had the biggest impact on his team and isn’t that what the MVP is all about?
Fan Interference: Goats, Colts, A Fallen Lion, And A Very Rich Prince – WISC Madison | NFLGame.Net
January 27th, 2012
4:44 pm
[...] Manning And The Worst Goodbye Party EverSB NationSenior Bowl ScoopESPN FloridaRocky Top Talk -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -NBCSports.comall 1,450 news [...]
Mark
January 27th, 2012
4:46 pm
That’s why you get your college degree; so that when you are faced with this situation that Manning faces, you can take your degree, education, and money and move on with your life. I really don’t like watching these guys (in all sports) at the end of their careers acting like Manning appears to be acting. It’s a business and this one is a no-brainer. Remove the emotion from the issue and let Manning go. They can’t possibly spend 28MM on a guy who may never play again. Neck surgury is very serious and Manning should do the right thing and retire and spare the Colts the continued drama. If this were an ankle or knee injury I might feel different.
bigdon
January 27th, 2012
4:55 pm
Call it jealousy, call it petty, call it snarky, call it every emotion with bad connocations, but I, for one,
feel absolutely nothing for this situation. PM is rich beyond imagination. Mr. Irsay is richer. Both
were raised on a silver spoon — did I mention I was raised on Chinette — both won the lucky sperm club award. As far as I can tell PM has led the most charmed of charmed lives. Based solely on what I’ve read and “heard” and observed there’s been little strife in his life. A TRUE golden boy. I guess I’m a jerk for being not sad about his situation, but nevertheless I won’t be losing any sleep. Hell, I’ve got Falcons tickets to pay for.
Hillbilly D
January 27th, 2012
4:59 pm
As much money as Peyton has made, does it really matter if he has a degree or not?
Ken Stallings
January 27th, 2012
5:00 pm
I can’t see the reason for concern. The Irsay’s are a very loyal and faithful ownership family — just ask the people of Baltimore!
nuffsaid
January 27th, 2012
5:05 pm
Peyton Manning had his day in the sun..Too many of these guys..past their prime..keep hanging around, hoping for that last big hoorah! Me, I’m ready to see him retire! Time for the young bucks coming up!
FalconJim
January 27th, 2012
5:08 pm
I hope Peyton retires. I mean, what if he went to play for another team, took a hit, and was paralyzed for the rest of his life? Now, THAT would be a sad ending, MB!!! At this point, he has to think about himself and his family…..I mean, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t need the money….
Ken Stallings
January 27th, 2012
5:11 pm
For the record, if Manning is released (and I think he will be) there will be a line of teams begging him to join them! And the team that does get him, will immediately become a playoff team. If he hooks up with a talented team with a quality defense (like the Bears of Ravens) then they become instant contenders for the Super Bowl next year.
If I were Flacco I would be wondering about my season next year!
aol.com
January 27th, 2012
6:22 pm
Let him go play in Denver where their QB couldn’t complete 46% of his passes.
Paul in NH
January 27th, 2012
6:26 pm
Mark – nice column. I liked the piece about Irsay
“Then Irsay, who apparently inherited the tin-eared gene from his dad, Robert Irsay, the man who Mayflower’ed the Colts out of Baltimore in the dead of a winter night”
What is it with the Irsay’s and can’t miss #1 QB’s from Stanford? The last one turned out well but not for the Colts. With all of the hype around Luck he will have quite a burden on his shoulders in Indy.
Observer
January 27th, 2012
6:47 pm
Well, one more thing:
It took Peyton Manning to get Bradley to finally write a really good article.
ed
January 27th, 2012
8:19 pm
Peyton was in the forefront of a move to dump Tennessee Vols coach Phillip Fulmer. Now it’s his turn to get dumped. Perhaps he could sign on as a quarterback coach at his alma mater where talent is a rare commodity these days.
ga gator
January 27th, 2012
8:56 pm
Kind of hard to feel sorry for a dude who made 26 mil while recuperating.
Irsay
January 27th, 2012
9:29 pm
I met with Peyton and we kissed and made up. You can believe that. Money has nothing to do with what is going on. I wouldn’t turn my back on a guy while he is recovering from a serious injury and who has been the main reason for our success over the last 13 years. Also, my Daddy didn’t abandon the people of Baltimore. He never skipped out of town in the middle of the night.
Honest. Trust me.
Drexel Gal
January 27th, 2012
9:29 pm
The Yankees let Babe Ruth go because they had Joe DiMaggio waiting (albeit TWO years later). So, this can happen to anyone, no matter how much of a “franchise” he is.
Irsay
January 27th, 2012
9:35 pm
You guys don’t believe that I would toss Peyton aside just because he has nerve damage and we are going to draft a highly touted rookie quarterback; do you?
Dr. Warren
January 27th, 2012
9:49 pm
When the Colts sneaked out of Baltimore in the middle of the night, I wonder if Irsay Jr. was hyped up on Dexedrine the way Kerouac was when he wrote On the Road.
Reid Adair
January 28th, 2012
1:24 am
Jim Irsay has said multiple times that it will not be about the money, it will be about Peyton Manning’s health. So if Manning is healthy enough to play, and he isn’t a member of the Colts for 2012, either Irsay is a liar – or Manning would have made the decision.
J W
January 28th, 2012
7:38 am
Shades of Namath and Unitas. Best case scenario: Manning heads to Miami for 2 productive, and lucrative, years. Indy drafts Luck and he refuses to report; so they trade for Griffiths and flounder for years. Luck makes his way to Buffalo or Tennessee or Kansas City.
Photosmike
January 28th, 2012
8:13 am
The problem for Irsay is that Manning overshadows him. Almost any coverage of the Colts gives all the credit to Manning. Even the new stadium. Like father, like son. Irsay cleaned house so that he could take all the credit for the Colts success.
Chamwa
January 28th, 2012
9:20 am
Falcons should trade Matt Ryan and trade for Manning
Trade 4 Tim Teebow
January 28th, 2012
9:40 am
No 1 care about Payton Maning, We care about gettin Tim Teabow hear 4 the Flacons.
Mr Blanks pleez trade 4 Tim Teabow!
tom
January 28th, 2012
9:54 am
Iverson better than LeBron??? What are you smoking???
Homepage | MrSEC
January 28th, 2012
10:38 am
[...] Mark Bradley: “The Manning era in Indy isn’t just at an end — it’s at a bad end.” Peyton Manning and the Houston [...]
Doctor Dawg
January 28th, 2012
11:15 am
I still say the Falcons should try to get Manning as a QB coach. Just think of what all he could teach Matt Ryan. Ryan is a quick study and according to the experts, one of the smarter QB’s in the NFL. So with a teacher with the experience of Manning I think we would see a much improved Matt Ryan. Also, I think Ryan does need to hit the gym this offseason and build up some more arm strength. I’d like to see some more “zip” on his passes.
Doctor Dawg
January 28th, 2012
11:16 am
Agree or disagree? Why or whynot?
Peyton is OVERRATED
January 28th, 2012
12:45 pm
I have, am, and always will be sick of all the praise of Peyton Manning. In college, he wasn’t the best QB in his own conference. Peyton, Fulmer, and everyone at UT did all they could to win a National Title with Peyton there through his senior year. All the sports writers and voters went overboard for them to win the title, but he simply wasn’t good enough to do so. What happened at UT while Peyton was a rookie in the NFL, TEE MARTIN and UT won the National Championship!
Peyton ALWAYS had a great line to protect him AND superior receivers to throw to, much like Tom Brady has now (Brady has MULTIPLE rings, so don’t even think about the comparison there). The Colts did the 1 thing that won the lone ring for the golden boy, and that is let Peyton be the OC on the field. I will give Peyton credit that he is the best offensive coach on the Colts team since he has been there and the smart coaches have let Peyton run with it. BTW, Brady is 4X the QB Manning is.
This past year was not an example of no Peyton Manning on the team, but the sign of a terribly run organization. Peyton doesn’t play any offense or special teams. There is no 1 player in the NFL that should effect a team like that. Anyone who believes that if Manning would have played on that team they would have been in the playoffs is not smart in the realm of NFL knowledge.
Sorry to all the Peyton lovers out there, fans and media alike, but the best Manning at the QB position is Eli, NOT Peyton!
Peyton is OVERRATED
January 28th, 2012
12:50 pm
I have, am, and always will be sick of all the praise of Peyton Manning. In college, he wasn’t the best QB in his own conference. Peyton, Fulmer, and everyone at UT did all they could to win a National Title with Peyton there through his senior year. All the sports writers and voters went overboard for them to win the title, but he simply wasn’t good enough to do so. What happened at UT while Peyton was a rookie in the NFL, TEE MARTIN and UT won the National Championship!
Peyton ALWAYS had a great line to protect him AND superior receivers to throw to, much like Tom Brady has now (Brady has MULTIPLE rings, so don’t even think about the comparison there). The Colts did the 1 thing that won the lone ring for the golden boy, and that is let Peyton be the OC on the field. I will give Peyton credit that he is the best offensive coach on the Colts team since he has been there and the smart coaches have let Peyton run with it. BTW, Brady is 4X the QB Manning is.
This past year was not an example of no Peyton Manning on the team, but the sign of a terribly run organization. Peyton doesn’t play any DEFENSE or special teams. There is no 1 player in the NFL that should effect a team like that. Anyone who believes that if Manning would have played on that team they would have been in the playoffs is not smart in the realm of NFL knowledge.
Sorry to all the Peyton lovers out there, fans and media alike, but the best Manning at the QB position is Eli, NOT Peyton!
SEC Headlines 1/28/2012 | My Blog
January 28th, 2012
1:31 pm
[...] Mark Bradley: “The Manning epoch in Indy isn’t only during an finish — it’s during a bad end.” Peyton Manning and the Houston [...]
pb
January 28th, 2012
1:52 pm
Trade 4 Tim Teebow @ 9:40 am:
You have got to be joking, or maybe a troll trying to stir it up on a quiet Saturday afternoon?
pb
January 28th, 2012
1:55 pm
No one really wants Tim Tebow as an Atlanta Falcon… contrary to what poster @ 9:40 am says. Just crazy talk.
sainthiram
January 28th, 2012
2:44 pm
so you’re saying indy will drop down and now be on par with the failclowns ?
ColumbDawg
January 28th, 2012
3:28 pm
Enter your comments here
ColumbDawg
January 28th, 2012
3:42 pm
Although it would never happen, I’d love to see what the Ravens could do with a player like Peyton running the offense.
wally
January 28th, 2012
8:10 pm
I trust that what ever decision Peyton makes will be the right one. The NFL owes so much to the Manning family for what it has brought to the league. First it was Archie, then Peyton and noe Eli.. They are a great football family and it hate to think what the league would be without them. Great Going Guys.
KBB
January 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
I’d rather have a broken necked Peyton Manning than our very own Matty Ice Harrington
Playoffs!!!
January 28th, 2012
9:13 pm
I can see the end of this saga: The Colts release Peyton; he goes to a new team–plays a couple of years and leads said team to the playoffs. But that is as far as they get. No more Super Bowls.
That’s what happened to Joe Montana in K.C.: and Favre in Green Bay.
Bravesfan54
January 28th, 2012
9:27 pm
Mark – and what I am about to say, I say respectfully and as a fan of yours – but, really: “…the man who Mayflower’d the Colts out of Baltimore”? I will give you this, about a 99 and a-half percent of “fans” would jeer Mr. Irsay, along with you.
Obviously, it is an image that one can’t avoid resorting to, and I understand this. This image of moving vans in the dead of night, betraying, as it were, the heritage of Johnny Unitas, et al…is as hard-wired in the pantheon of sports’ images as Ruth’s alleged ‘called home run’ and the anonymous newsboy’s ’say it ain’t so’. But you are a PhD in sport’s: c’mon! I expect more. That such myths are a part of sports lore, are often either untrue or unfair.
I expect you to know how the Braves left Milwaukee. (Did you know that attendance was never a problem – Braves in Milwaukee were the first team to draw 2M – didja know that? or that they never had any drop in attendance? Didja buy the the myth that the prohibition of folks bringing their own Blatz beer into county stadium was the cause celebre justifying their abandonment of a city that loved the team and shoved their German bodies thru the turnstyles? Mark – should know this before you “Irsay/Mayflower” the Colts! Did you ever ask why the Braves left Milwaukee? I believe I know the answer, and it is not re-assuring of anything. The Braves left Milwaukee because their owners looked at ‘macro’ economics and saw the so-called ‘rust belt’ on the horizon. Doesn’t make it right for any instant that I will credit. But, hey, you are the Sports Guy for AJC – YOU TELL ME WHY!
My hope is that the intelligent reader – having been awakened perhaps by my comments – will take the time to look into the history of the Colts leaving Baltimore.
It is a fact that the Milwaukee Braves were the subject of Wisconsin Circuit Court injunctions, and while they did not enlist Mayflower Van Lines to escape to Atlanta, they were forced to play the 1965 season as a “lame duck” team. Milwaukee did not “deserve” to lose the Braves, and Baltimore chose not to have its taxpayers build a new stadium (Cleveland built a new one for the Indians, but not for the Browns, who got pissed off and left!. As the song goes: “a long, long time ago”- the Athletics left Philadelphia for Kansas City and then for Oakland, and, who knows, San Jose is their next destination. But is this because Philadelphia could not support 2 teams? Maybe, maybe not, but I do know this: the Athletics put up a 50 foot high screen in right field to keep the rooftop fans from seeing “rooftop” baseball – many saw them as “walling” themselves off from their community.
Don’t get me started on this. I hate public funding of sports stadia, I really do. But Mark, please don’t perpetuate the myth of the Mayflower Van despoiling the good folk of Baltimore of their Colts without reviewing the sordid history of all sports relocations. Among the most egregious was the move of the Braves from Milwaukee.
Amen!
Let me be clear: I have never supported, and never will, the public funding of anything approaching a major civic funding of a sports facility, but the other side of that coin is that teams should be free – because it is going to happen! – to consider offers from other communities. Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Raleigh NC, Orlando, Jacksonville, and numerous other communities have lured teams – with voter support – to move to their environs. The City of Baltimore rejected every move to improve an antiquated stadium (until, of course, as always happens, the team moves). This was their right. The voters rejected funding initiatives soundly. Their mayor was famously quoted noting this. That was the right of the citizenry, and the team resorted to the Mayflower option only to avoid what (could otherwise be termed!) a “communist takeover” of the team by means of the “writ of eminent domain” passed by one House of the Maryland legislature. In other words, my dear columist, Mark, the other shoe was about to drop.
The Braves in 1953 were enjoyned, not by the legislature, but by the local Circuit Court, and, I believe, by the next intermediate level court, from leaving Milwaukee. But clearly, the physical “seizure” of the team by eminent domain justified the Colts leaving as they did.
I wish that their was a term to describe “threats to communities – re stadium”, (stadiacide? comes to mind). I believe that it should be a crime to buy a franchise and “extort” the community into building a nicer facility. I live about 40 miles from downtown Orlando. In 1989 the Orlando Orena opened as the home of new “Orlando Majic”. The facility was nice, and stood in the center of the city much like the Parthenon of Athens, but not nearly so high upon the heights. But it lacked “club-level” (read: corporate box) seating. That team, bolstered quickly by the arrival of “Shaq- the Savior” (history: see “The Robe”, sorry!)quickly started poor-mouthing their “taxpayer built” home. (Here the reader should review “Memorial Stadium” in Baltimore – built in 1922 during the depression).)
Jockich Ahn Smelley, II
January 28th, 2012
9:27 pm
Why is there always an excuse to rationalize the ineffectiveness of Matty Ice?!! Hey, he’s the champion of the Regular Season, but he can’t advance the team any further……But he has as many excuses as Brock O’Bama (our Italian Catholic Prez from Chicago)……
Terrible Truth
January 28th, 2012
10:25 pm
I remember Johnny Unitas as a San Diego Charger. It WAS sad. Take the high road, Peyton, hang up your low tops.
Bravesfan54
January 28th, 2012
10:46 pm
AJC Sports: If you can’t publish my comments which have no bad languare, are not in the slightest sexual, religious, or political in nature, do not advocate anarchy, pederastry, communism, athiesm, or anti-Americanism, are you not basically offering me a job because I can think, have obviously read extensively, and know how to comment without insulting the blogmaster or the reader? Why else would you not publish my comments?
Bravesfan54
January 28th, 2012
10:48 pm
Ok, I am not a good editor: languare should have been “language”!
Gen Neyland
January 28th, 2012
11:22 pm
Peyton is in the twilight of an exceptional career. As change is inevitable at Indy, Manning need not take a beating at the Colts expense looking to their future…Peyton isn’t the kind to stick around to take the beating, not for 28 million or a dollar. I don’t think Manning plays for the dollar, I think he plays for pride…If he decides to play on, I hope he lands somewhere that needs his talent and has an offensive line to boot.
Peyton to ATL!
January 29th, 2012
4:25 am
atl should dump ryan for a couple of #1 picks and get peyton, aSAP! He’s a lot better than ryan and will take ATL into the playoffs and maybe win a game.
Danny Boyle offers glimpse of Olympic opener | Belfast Downtown
January 29th, 2012
9:26 am
[...] Peyton Manning: A weird and ugly ending is at hand in Indy [...]
MrHughes
January 29th, 2012
2:34 pm
There is a part of me that thinks the Colts should give Peyton one more year. $28 million to recover from surgery is a lot, but that time table and circumstance were created by the owners lockout. Also, LucasOil Stadium, and by extension this years Superbowl being played there, would not exist without Peyton. The Colts are getting $120 million over the next 20 years for the naming rights to LucasOil Stadium. That money does not come without Peyton Manning there either. The operation of the stadium resulted in a $20 million deficit for the state in 2009. The state agreed the cover the loss likely thinking they would have a winner [with Peyton as the quarterback there] longterm. That stadium will hemorage money next year if the Colts don’t win. Fans will only show for a few games to see Luck. They are used to a winner! That does not happen with the current shake up in Indy. They should have given the regime one final year with Luck as the understudy. Part of the reason for the shortfall is the very favorable terms the Colts enjoy in regards to the stadium revenue. [Cautionary tale for Falcons fans who want to go from Georgia Dome to an open air stadium versus waiting to build Georgia Dome 2.0 with a retractable roof after waiting 5-10 more years after Dome 1.0 is paid off.]
I think the only similarity between the Braves and Colts is the one world championship over many successful seasons. I feel like the Braves did right by Glavine and Smoltz. The Braves got their stadium due to the Olympic games. Centennial Olympic Stadium (Turner Field) was built much more responsibly and has made money.
Whoever said Iverson was better than LBJ was right on! I’d take Wade over LBJ. Iverson would have taken a team that could described as hot garbage to a 6th game in the NBA Finals were it not for Robert Horry being Robert Horry. Oh yea, and the Lakers had been unbeaten in the playoffs (11-0) prior to getting shocked at home in Game 1 of the 2001 Finals at Staples. LBJ dances around and disappears in the 4th quarter. ie: I witnessed ostrich syndrome against the Mavs during the Mavs in the Finals last summer. Easy choice!!
Paddy
January 29th, 2012
4:08 pm
Jesus Christ……….the only thing Allen Iverson was better at than LaBron James is “time served” and always being on time with his probation officer.
gcs
January 29th, 2012
4:49 pm
Brett Favre, Joe Paterno and coming soon… Peyton Manning?
Whatever happened to the days of guys bowing out gracefully?
.
dan
January 29th, 2012
6:08 pm
It sounds like the marriage is over. The Colts are clearly in rebuild mode, and Peyton is just waiting for the axe to fall. I don’t think he’ll stay even if he can play next season. I think Peyton sees the writing on the fall and is like ” you know what man, you’re clearing house and getting rid of all these other guys, and you’re going to get rid of me, so let’s get on with it!”
I think the bigger question for Irsay is why burn down the entire house when you just need to remodel some rooms? The Colts are 2 years removed from being in a Super Bowl and 6 years removed from winning one. It’s not like they were total crap. When the 49ers and Packers got rid of Montana and Favre, they didn’t get rid of front office guys as well. There were contingency plans in place to weed out veterans and replace them with new blood, and they suck to the formula that brought them success. But I’m not seeing that with the Colts. They have a new coach who is unproven,and we don’t know if this Andrew Luck will pan out or not. Maybe it will work out for them, but it sure does seem like they’re throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Chuck
January 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
You morons comparing that rag-arm, jello-brained Matt Ryan to ANY top-tier qb have lost it! You can bark out stats as long as you like, but Matt Ryan isn’t leading ANYONE to a championship.
AlpharettaGuy
January 30th, 2012
7:07 am
So many of these guys wind up barely able to walk from age 50 on…my advice to Peyton & to any pro football whose body has taken punishment for several years, RETIRE & play golf & take it easy. I grew up in NOLA watching Archie play so I’ve always liked all the Mannings. I remember Archie as a Viking–not pretty. (Of course w/ no O-line it wasn’t pretty in NOLA for all those years.) It would be such a bummer to see Petyon get back out there, take a big hit & pay for it for the rest of his life. Be a coach & tee it up in the off season, Peyton. FORE!
Rich Lapin
January 30th, 2012
8:29 am
I’m a frequent reader and first time writer. I read your column about Peyton Manning and thought that you made a solid business case of why Peyton Manning would likely be released prior to March 8. While there is room for personal distaste toward the tradition of Irsay ownership, Manning’s contributions are unquestionable but his recovery from a very serious injury is highly questionable. The cold reality is that it’s a business decision not a congeniality contest. As a result, I find your final sentence “Maybe Irsay can get his soon-to-be former employee a rate from Mayflower” to be gratuitously cynical. In my opinion a better ending would be “Even top achievers don’t get to choose the circumstances under which their careers end.” In the final analysis, a business decision dictated what had to be done and that’s the real story here.
AceDawg
January 30th, 2012
8:58 am
I hope Manning plays again, and if he does, I’m sure it’ll be for a team that is playoff worthy even without him. Jets? 49ers? Broncos?
St Simons - the real life Andy Dufresne
January 30th, 2012
9:06 am
absolutely no way he could be medically cleared with the fusion surgery
with the metal plate. Heck, I had that surgery without the plate. I can’t
play tag football in the backyard
Indyjacket
January 30th, 2012
9:40 am
Should Peyton retire he will remain in the organization in some capacity, and be well compensated.
Call it like it is
January 30th, 2012
10:23 am
He was great to watch at Tenn, and great to watch with the Colts. He has nothing left to prove. I rather see him retire and move on then get hit again in the neck and do damage that cant be fixed. Would love to see him go back to Tenn and coach. That will never happen but one can hope.
harold
January 30th, 2012
10:24 am
PEYTON MANNING WILL SOON BE THE HEAD COACH AT TENNESSEE AND HE WILL RESTORE THE GLORY TO THE VOL NATION.
BG
January 30th, 2012
11:33 am
Manning and all his money will be fine.
LawDawg
January 30th, 2012
11:58 am
“Mark Sanchez and Cam Newton played right away. Andrew Luck needs to play right away.”
This is not an argument. Why does Andrew Luck need to play early? Just because other QBs recently have? Sanchez stinks, though his team is good. The Panthers had no shot even with Joe Montana at QB.
Here I’ll make a better argument:
“Drew Brees sat. Aaron Rodgers sat. Tom Brady sat until Drew Bledsoe got hurt. Andrew Luck needs to sit and learn.”
Regardless, I hope Luck is a Ryan Leaf/Akili Smith-level flop just so we can stop thinking that anyone can predict with certainty that this guy will be a Hall of Famer based on being mediocre in the PAC (like, say, Sanchez, Leinart, Palmer, Kyle Boller, Joey Harrington, etc.)
LawDawg
January 30th, 2012
11:59 am
That said, why would Manning even want to stay? If he goes to the Ravens or a similar team (with Reggie Wayne in tow), he will be in a much better position to win a ring.
LawDawg
January 30th, 2012
12:01 pm
St Simons – the real life Andy Dufresne: Yeah, except that there are two players currently on the Colts who had the same surgery as Manning and came back to play (they talked about during the MNF broadcast with the Colts), though both are on defense.
kazoo
January 30th, 2012
3:26 pm
As has been pointed out, Manning (and his receivers) basically carried what was otherwise a very below average team to the playoffs for 10 years. Manning gets crap from some critics for not winning more than one Super Bowl, but the Colts almost never had a decent defense and almost never had a decent running game. The guy was a virtual one-man band. It would be great to see him go to another team–a better team–and win one more big one.
SlyDog55
January 30th, 2012
5:03 pm
Hey HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH… where’s your sister, SeenThisB4?
Stepchild
January 30th, 2012
5:55 pm
Dear Thomas Dimitroff……Now is the time to make ATL a contender for the next 5 years. Pick up Manning and trade Matty ICE for some defensive players/draft picks. That will really make us the contenders we want to be.
PULL THE TRIGGER!!!!!!!
DawgEd
January 30th, 2012
11:28 pm
Just saw this, Mark. Spot on.
THEOBGYN
February 1st, 2012
6:51 pm
Slydog,
I want Ryan to throw 40+ times a game. What I don’t want is for Matt Ryan to HAVE to throw 40+ times a game. Having to throw that much is what makes throwing that much bad for Matty Ice. Hard for anyone to throw into 7 defenders