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.