Peyton Manning is retiring

I am sitting here watching the press conference of Peyton Manning's retirement...more of a tribute than an announcement.  Peyton Manning is my all-time favorite football player, even though most of his historic 18-year-career he played for a team other than "my" team.  I vividly remember a day in January, 2006 when the Steelers were playing the Colts in the playoffs.  The Steelers had the game locked up...when inexplicably Jerome Bettis fumbled going into the end zone.  The Colts picked it up and ran it back for what would have been a touch down had it not been for Ben Roethlisberger's tackle.  All the kicker had to do was kick a field goal and the Colts moved on while the Steelers would go home...except he missed it.  I remember the look on Peyton Manning's face as the cameras were on him and he said, in what seemed to be so matter-of-factly, "He missed it."

I didn't follow professional football during my college years and for about another year thereafter.  The later part of the 90's I started paying attention again, and I became a Bronco's fan.  I loved watching John Elway play the game and knowing that as long as the team was within a touchdown and Elway had the ball, there was a legitimate shot at winning the game.  I had also loved watching Peyton Manning play at Tennessee, and he became a professional in the late 90's.  During these years, the Bengals, our "local" team certainly gave us absolutely nothing to cheer about.  My Dad started following the Colts, and it was easy to root for Peyton Manning as well.

One of our favorite children's books was the Manning's book.  Thomas especially loved Peyton Manning.  Thomas still loved the Steelers and nothing would ever change that, but he knows Manning is #18, and loves seeing him on TV.  So I loved Manning, my kiddos loved Manning, my Dad loved Manning.  And for me, March 2012 brought things together fabulously when Manning signed with the Broncos.  The playoff game this season was disappointing for most of our family, but not really for me (and Thomas saw the upside as well).  The Broncos win kept them alive in the playoffs and gave Manning a chance to go out on top...just like my other favorite player, John Elway.  I couldn't be happier that it ended with a Super Bowl victory.

And let's be honest, is there another player that is more upstanding?  I don't really think there is.  I love that Thomas is a huge fan, and he got a little sad when I told him yesterday that Manning was retiring.  I truly love how sports brings our family together!