Peyton Manning
(Photo: Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
I love Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning made me a fanatical football fan. One of the most heartbreaking days of my life was the day Peyton Manning left the Indianapolis Colts. And his homecoming as a Bronco was no easier. Peyton Manning is the reason I have football blogs, and Twitter followers, and talk on the radio.
Which is why it hurts me so badly to say this…
But, it’s time for Peyton Manning to retire.
He’s won football games, and playoff games, and a Super Bowl. He’s broken record upon NFL record.
But age and injury and surgery have finally caught up with him. Peyton Manning isn’t the Peyton Manning that I used to know. He may be at times. And his football mind is sharper than ever. But as each season goes on, his laser rocket arm can’t consistently deliver. And there isn’t enough time for his aging body to recover.
Peyton Manning got booed by his own fans in Denver last week. And selfishly, I just can’t stand to see it. I can’t endure a quarterback controversy or listen to screams to bench the future Hall of Famer in favor of someone younger. Not when that quarterback is My Peyton.
He’s got a family now and his health and more money than he can ever spend. And endless opportunities in football. And a fan base back in Indianapolis that aches to welcome him back. And retire his jersey. And build him a statue. And reminisce about the good old days while shedding tears of both joy and sadness…
And end his legendary career right where it began.
I’m coming home
I’m coming home
Tell the world I’m coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they’ve forgiven my mistakes
I’m coming home, I’m coming home
Tell the world I’m coming…home
Come home, Peyton.
We’re waiting.
XO
Good points. Peyton’s mechanics have to be so perfect these days to overcome his diminishing skills. It’s hard to watch.
Good read. I think he may have another year left in him. I’d like to see him play another season
And if he does…we’ll still be waiting! 😉
The minute those fans boo’d was the minute I thought it was time to retire as well. I’m reminded that he just worked for the broncos but he will always be a colt..
Colts fans would have never bood Peyton.
I love Peyton so much I would rather see him retire , than to go out like Favre, or even Jordan……Hardcover Colts/Peyton fan….We would not of boo ‘ D Peyton in indy……
That is exactly it! Can’t watch it with him. I just can’t.
Amen to that! The Colts fans show respect. Love my Peyton and can’t believe they disrespected him like that in Denver.
I want Peyton to retire as a Colt or come back and be our QB Mentor – Denver does not deserve him – he is better than that
Your right Colt’s fan would have supported him no matter what !
We are Peyton”s True Fans !!!
Shame on you all who booed him !!!
When Denver booed my heart broke for him. Denver fans don’t deserve the greatest quaterback of all time.
Even at the level he currently is, he’s still one of the top 5 qb’s in the NFL so I don’t think he’s retiring yet. As a lifelong Broncos fan since the 70’s and being from Indiana, I don’t forget how pathetic both the Colts and Broncos were prior to Peyton coming to either team. The fans who booed are not true Broncos fans, they’re fair weather fans, when the teams winning here they are but 1 bad year and they’re no where to be found. Peyton will know when he’s ready and when it’s time but let’s not forget how Denver’s great defensive backs got schooled by a lesser Colts receiving corp, that’s on the D, no jamming receivers at the line like the Colts D did to the Broncos receivers, that in my opinion was the difference, sharp passes or not.
u people don’t know football. He’s not diminishing!!! He was having his best year yet. He hurt his leg and if you knew anything about football and quarterbacks u would know that hips and legs are more important than the arm. He’s fine!!!!!!
You took my exact emotions and put them on paper! I have secretly been hoping for a homecoming for Peyton and his Indy! I’ve also been guilty of praying for a significant reunion for him and the Colts!
Boo Peyton? NEVER! Cheer him on? FOREVER!
You put me and my families thoughts in print! Spot on
Oh get over it already… Until Peyton got injured later in the season he was just as domI ant as ever. It has barely been twelve months since coming off his best statistical season ever, a win over Tom Brady in the AFC Championship, and a Superbowl appearance. He has gas left in the tank, and a couple of Favre’s records to eclipse. He ain’t do yet, mark it down…
Come home and be a coach in Indy, qb coach then head coach when it comes time for Pagono to retire!
What a nice tribute to Peyton Manning. Fans can be fickle.
A correction is needed here. Badly. As a Denver Broncos fan, we were no Booing Payton. We were outraged with the coaches due to their game plan, lack of preparation, and senseless adjustments If there actually were any. Payton, if he feels up to it next season, is welcome and we have nothing but love and respect for home, the same as you do.
If you love him so much you need to know he spells his name with an e.
Wait a minute. If you are a Broncos fan you really need to learn how to spell your quarterbacks name. PEyton.
I love Peyton. I was in shock when he left Indy for Denver and now even though I still am a Colts fan, I watch every Bronco game just to see Peyton play. PEYTON and only Peyton knows what is best for him. I know whatever happens, I will be a fan.
I hate the what have you done for me lately attitude that fair weather fans have! I am a die-hard colts fan and if it werent for the energy and excitement Peyton brought to the league Indy may have passed on keeping the team here! He is the greatest and brings nothing but class! He is in no way finished! Colts fans are by far the most respectful and supportive of their team and he would never have heard a boo in the house he built!
Surely home would be some where in Tennessee!
If you wanna get technical, it’s Louisiana. But home is where the heart is and I believe that to be in Indiana.
I cried too the day him and the Colts parted ways. I was heartbroken, but think Irsay was behind all that. We want him back where he belongs!!! Retire as a Colt we love you Peyton!
Terrific piece! I choked up reading it. When those schmucks in Denver started to boo Peyton, I wanted to throttle the crowd! Peyton and I are the exact same age, but I had the same response as I would if someone booed one of my children! I think most of a Indy felt the same way.
I love Peyton, I hate seeing him booed. I also hate seeing someone say he’s washed up. He was hurt in the San Diago game halfway through the season and like a warrior he continued to play. Can we all not forget that he had his best statistical season of his career just last season.
Sincerely,
Colts Fan
I want him to come home also. We here in Indy will always welcome him home with open arms.
What a joke blog. Get your facts right. Peyton didn’t LEAVE Indy…you write like it was his choice. Please don’t ever forget why Peyton is no longer in Indy…
I completely agree! Peyton was let go, and although he has been gracious enough not to say anything negative to the media, I can imagine it was not a pleasant parting of the ways. I often wonder if he will “come home” to retire. Would you return to a company that, in essence, forced you to resign?
When the Bronco fans boo’d…..actually BOO’D Peyton Manning….a piece of me died. I am a Colts fan…thru and thru, but will always hold a special place in my heart for Peyton.
Indy fans would have NEVER boo’d Peyton…..heck I think we get a little nervous cheering”BOOM” for Heron. Haha! If Peyton comes “home” to retire…we, Indiana fans will welcome him home with open arms!
I am from indy but live in Denver now. I am a Colts fan and a Broncos fan. But let me tell you this…NO ONE in that stadium last week boo’d Peyton. They love him here and want him to play one more year.
Payton is full of class, talent, and compassion for others
i feel as if I wrote that article. I cried like a baby when he said goodbye to the Colts. I felt completely torn when my favorite player left my favorite team. I will always be a Colts fan…..but I also have a Denver Manning jersey.
You got your wish… Peyton will be home on Sunday, but just for a visit 😉
From an Indy native, born and raised Colts fan who now lives in CO and of course still cheers for no.18 with unwavering passion!