In 1998 the Colts were in the same situation they're in now, having the first overall draft selection and a choice between two high-profile quarterback prospects. They selected Peyton Williams Manning first overall over Ryan Leaf, a move that was unpopular at the time because Leaf was the cant-miss prospect, the future Hall-of-Famer.
But the Colts had faith, as they entrusted the gargantuan duty of revitalizing a doormat franchise on the 22-year old passer from the Bayou. With unfathomable expectations and little talent surrounding him, Manning did more than deliver on his potential. He single handedly turned a franchise from laughingstock to contender.
What an era it was. In his 14-year career with Indy, Manning has managed to rewrite the franchise's and NFL's record books. He is the Colts all-time leader in completions, passing yards, touchdowns thrown, 4th quarter comebacks, games started, and consecutive games played. He holds the NFL career record for touchdown to interception ratio, and most consecutive seasons with at least 25 touchdown passes with thirteen, and many others.
His most impressive accomplishment has nothing to do his gaudy stats. He managed to accomplish something that is nearly impossible – changing the entire culture of a city.
In the 1980s and '90s the Colts were a joke in the NFL: a bottom-dwelling team that was stolen from Baltimore and could never get out of its own way. They were perennial losers, teams considered them an automatic win, and their fan support was non-existent. He made football relevant in the basketball thirsty state.
Eleven double-digit win seasons, seven divisional championships, and two Super Bowl appearances later, Manning has changed the perception of the Colts and the importance of football in Indiana as a whole.
His mastery of his opponent's tendencies and his own playbook allows for him to call his own plays and to run a relentless no-huddle offense. That offense has become Manning's trademark – the gyrations, hand signals and cadences that he routinely employs between every snap have become synonymous with the superstar and part of the NFL's culture. Manning's pre-snap antics have been integrated into multiple videogames, pick-up games and have even been the centerpiece to comedy sketches. Speaking of which, Manning's performance on Saturday Night Live after his first Super bowl appearance is considered to be one of the funniest episodes in the nearly 30-year history of the show.
Manning revolutionized the way the quarterback position was played in the NFL. Early in his career his lighting quick release and decision making kept him up right and fairly injury-free. Throughout his career these skills have always been a nuisance to defenders.
The play-action pass has been a staple in the NFL for years but Manning perfected it. Over the years Manning constantly suckered defensive backs and linebackers into rushing the line of scrimmages for a potential run, widening his throwing windows and making his receivers better. Blair White, Austin Collie, and Reggie Wayne are all capable NFL athletes. They all had awful seasons last year without Manning.
He even conquered his biggest foe: his playoff résumé. For years Manning could never get over the preverbal hump. Critics asked could he really come through when it counts?
That question was answered in 2006. The Colts went on an improbable playoff run that was capped with the Franchise first Super bowl victory since relocating from Baltimore. The most memorable moment of that run came in the game prior to the big game. Facing the Patriots, Manning led the Colts to victory after falling behind by 18 points in the first half, winning 38-34. The comeback is still the largest in championship conference game history.
Manning has accomplished literally everything a player would want to do within his career: hold multiple records, win the most valuable player award, and appear and win a Super Bowl. He was a model of excellence and did everything that the city of Indianapolis asked of him and more. A force on the field and within the community, Manning's legacy will endure even after his stint with his next team.
From a grieving Colts fan, thanks for the memories Peyton, I wish your successor a ton of Luck filling your shoes.
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