Athlete Spotlight: It’s PeyBack Time
Written by playerpress.com, Wednesday May 20 2009
Colts head coach Jim Caldwell decided to staff from within when he moved Clyde Christensen to offensive coordinator. Whatever adjustments Christensen has to make one thing for certain is he can rest assured that his quarterback is up to the job.
If Peyton Manning is anything, he is the epitome of consistency. All teams are going to struggle and, at times, come up short of the goal, but with Peyton Manning behind center the feeling that good things will happen are upped.
In fact, if you are at your favorite watering hole and a trivia question arises concerning the QB position answering the question with “Peyton Manning.” will probably prove correct. Manning holds the record for consecutive 4,000 yard seasons and the most 4,000 yard seasons in a career. Since entering the league in 1998 Manning has helped the Colts achieve the highest conversion rate on third down plays, 44.6%, and fourth down plays, 61.1%. He has the highest career passing rating among active QB’s and trails only Steve Young for the League record. Currently, he has a passing rating of 94.7%.
All of that leaves little question as to why the former number one Indianapolis draft pick is considered the most marketable player in the NFL. He is also only one of two three time NFL MVP winners. Toss in his Super Bowl MVP and it is easy to see why Peyton can sell cookies, credit cards, sports drinks and just about anything else he chooses to endorse.
Manning is one of those guys who make everyone around him better. A large measure of that is brought about by the confidence he inspires in team mates. In the NBA if the clock is running down and the game is on the line Kobe Bryant is the guy you want to see with the ball. The same goes for Peyton Manning on a third and long. Manning knows how to change a game. His team mates know it and so do his opponents. He knows it too, but he’ll never say it out loud.
In an age where athletes are often tiresome bores Peyton Manning is refreshingly low maintenance. Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts when they were sitting on a 3-13 record he didn’t try to broker himself onto a winning team. Instead he came to the team that played in the dome and began to both ply and study his trade. Having established both school and conference records at Tennessee Manning didn’t let that cloud his need to learn the pro offense and what it took to go up against veteran QB’s and guys looking to remove your head because you’re a rookie with a rep.
Of course, Manning already proved he had the smarts to learn the NFL system. After all, he earned his degree from Tennessee in three years while nailing down All American and SEC awards. QB is a thinking man’s position and Peyton proved he had the gray matter to run an offense.
Manning proved to be a quick of a learner in the NFL as he did in college. The ’98 Colts didn’t fare any better in the win and loss columns than they did in ’97, but the games were closer and there was evidence that this kid was destined for greatness. A last second field goal allowed the aforementioned Steve Young to pilot the 49ers over the rookie’s Colts, but Manning more than held his own and opened eyes throughout the league.
By 1999 Manning led the Colts to the playoffs. These days it’s hard to imagine them not being in the running for the post season, but back to back three win seasons made this event a most pleasant surprise for the inhabitants of the RCA Dome. Tennessee waxed them and made Payton look pedestrian in the playoffs, but once again he learned his lessons and planned for a better future.
Knowing they had something special the Colts decided to utilize Manning’s ability to the fullest by introducing a no huddle offense. The inaugural season of 2001 only produced six wins, but Manning’s passing stats proved the no huddle was the future for the Colts. It paved their way back into the playoffs in short order.
Having mastered the no huddle Manning simply lines up the team, examines the defense and calls an audible using both verbal and hand signals. Like a good third base coach he includes some fakes to throw off any defenders trying to read his signals.
If greatness is measured in championships then Payton Manning put an end to any future argument in 2006. After getting off to a 9-0 start the Colts ended the regular season 12-4 and seeded third in the playoffs. It all looked like it was all in vain in the AFC Championship when they found themselves down 21-3 to the Patriots, but the no huddle and Payton’s mettle sparked a comeback that culminated with an 80 yard TD drive late in the fourth quarter. The Colts overcame the largest deficit in conference championship play to win by 38-34 and face the Bears in the Super Bowl.
If a knock existed on Manning it was the argument that he couldn’t win the big game. That argument was squashed when the Colts beat the Bears 29-17 and Payton was awarded the game’s MVP. He celebrated by restructuring his contract so the Colts gained $8.5 cap space.
Manning continues to be a team player and to think of others. It’s a good habit for a QB and someone who makes a lot of money to play a game. Along with always recognizing the contributions of his team mates, Manning contributes hundreds of thousands of charitable dollars through his PeyBack Foundation. He formed to foundation to contribute to various civic organizations through grants and scholarships.
As Peyton Manning matures in the role of veteran QB an eventual end to his playing days comes closer into sight. His options after playing are plenty, but hopefully he will continue to be involved in the game. For, while the arm is great, the mind is greater and the loss of Payton’s mind would be harmful to the game. Here’s hoping he opts to put that mind to use on the gridiron for a long time.
Photo Credit: Matt A. Brown / Icon SMI
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I like this article. Peyton sometimes doesn't get enough credit for basically being a good guy.