The Skinny - Peyton is a Bronco

Colt fans it is official – Peyton Manning will be wearing blue this year but it won’t be paired with a white horseshoe.  Instead it will have the orange of the Denver Broncos.  Personally I would like to thank Peyton for all of his contributions to Indianapolis – now it is time to move on.

Indianapolis news outlets need to latch on to a new story because the Manning ship has set sail and landed in a new home.  Along with Manning many others have left or been released – searching and finding new homes.  The Colts that we have known and loved for the past 13 seasons are gone and young blood is going to be pumping in Lucas Oil Stadium.  Let’s start to embrace the coming of a new era because the past decade is in the books and that team has moved on.   

A Gut Wrenching Seperation

It is official - Peyton Manning and the Colts have signed the divorce papers.  Jim Irsay and the Colts announced today that Peyton Manning would no longer be an Indianapolis Colt.  Peyton Manning, with tears in his eyes and a lump in his throat, talked about his experiences playing in Indianapolis and how much he loves the city, the fans and the team. 

All things must end and with every ending a new beginning is born.  I personally would like to thank Peyton Manning for not only his unbelievable football play and leadership on the field but his leadership off the field.  Indianapolis can thank Manning for being a key building block of Indianapolis and its relevance in the professional sports world.  We have seen many greats go through Indianapolis including Wayne Gretzky, Jackie Robinson, Reggie Miller and now Peyton Manning.  Manning arguably did the most for this city and it is hard to dispute.  He literally brought a Super Bowl Trophy home to Indianapolis and helped build a Children's Hospital.  His presence helped Indianapolis get a new stadium, host a Super Bowl and be the talk of sports media for an entire decade.

It is with sadness in my heart to say good-bye Peyton but it is with hope that I welcome Andrew Luck.

Please comment and leave your favorite Manning memory.  My best memory of the past 14 years is when Manning led the Colts to an AFC Championship in 2006 over the New England Patriots.  The Super Bowl win was fun but beating the Patriots at home was the most rewarding victory I can remember.   

...but this is Indiana

As a child the Fieldhouse always looked so big from the outside.  It was always a cold and brisk walk from the parking garage to the big arching entrance.  I would be sure to hold on to dad's jacket or mom's hand so I didn't lose them in the large crowds.  We would work our way through a sea of blue and gold to our seats.  Once we sat down, almost 30 minutes before tip-off, my dad would allow us to get food or use the restroom.  Then as game time approached the lights would go off and a video would start.  Those words always would resonate throughout the night, "In 49 states basketball is just a game, but this is Indiana..."

From Jackie Robinson to Wayne Gretzky to Reggie Miller and Peyton Manning Indianapolis has a rich sports history.  I have had the honor of growing up in the great city of Indianapolis most of my life including college and now as a business professional.  My passion for my Indiana teams has grown every year.  This blog is for sports fans who eat, sleep and breathe Indiana sports.  It will be a hub for conversations around the Pacers, Colts, Indians and Ice.  My goal is to be your number source for a different view on Indiana professional sports.  This blog will contain everything from my personal experiences with pictures and sporting event reviews to memories from my childhood.  There will be articles on all the games and the chance for everyone to comment on your favorite Naptown Sports. 

Indianapolis just had a Super Bowl come to town that received rave reviews.  Through teams like the Colts, Indians and Pacers this city has made the nickname Naptown have a positive connotation.  Through events like the Final Four, Super Bowl and Big Ten tournament Indianapolis is no longer a true Naptown...but a fun and exciting sports town.  Indianapolis should be proud to have Pacers Pride and to Bleed Colts Blue.  I am proud to call my self a fan of the home team and I look forward to many years of writing and thousands of articles, pictures and comments - all focused on the great city of Indianapolis and the teams that make the streets buzz.

Welcome to the Naptown Sports Report.

Sincerely,
The Indy Minute