NFL Legend Followed By Fans

An early weekend in February is host to the a truly all American holiday--the Superbowl.

While fans from Denver and Seattle are stocking up on face paint, jerseys and nachos, Superbowl XLVIII offers up an unlikely, third group of fans.

Though the Indianapolis Colts season ended in the second round of playoffs, fans from Indiana will support Denver Broncos’ quarterback, Peyton Manning, former Colts quarterback.

After being let go from the Colts due to a severe neck injury Manning said, “Nobody loves their job more than I do. But there is no other team I wanted to play for.”

During his time in Indianapolis, Manning created The Peyback Foundation, a group focused on aiding disadvantaged children gain important, educational opportunities. Manning and his wife Ashley also gave an undisclosed amount to a local hospital and introduced its new name, “Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent.”

Manning is also credited for re-inventing the image of the Indianapolis Colts. During his time on the team, Manning appeared in numerous ads for many big-name NFL sponsors. His honest smile and goofy demeanor won the hearts of the media, and revitalized football culture in Indiana.

Manning and his brother, Eli, have also made charitable projects a family affair. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the brothers delivered gatorade, water, diapers and other crucial supplies to the victims in New Orleans.

“There will never be another Peyton Manning,” lamented Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsey, during the press conference announcing Manning’s departure. Both the owner and player expressed true sadness in the breaking of the partnership.

“This has not been easy for Jim,” said Manning on the decision.

The NFL community along with Indianapolis fans awaited the fate of a man who never seemed to quit. It seemed as though Manning may never play professional football again.

But on March 20, 2012 the football world rejoiced. Peyton Manning was back in the game, stage-Denver, Colorado. Though it was a joyous moment, many questioned Manning’s ability to play.

After his second, more serious surgery, a cervical fusion procedure, there were doubts that Manning would perform at his old level.

Those doubts were soon silenced.

In the 2012 NFL season with the Broncos, Manning led the team deep into the playoffs, only losing the 38-35 in double overtime to the Baltimore Ravens, who went on to win the Superbowl. Manning was awarded the “comeback player of the year” award,” and clutched the record for most touchdown passes in a season.

The 2013 NFL season started out just as hot as the year before. In the opening game of the season, Manning threw seven touchdown passes, a feat only five other NFL quarterbacks have achieved. That momentum has carried the Broncos through to the Superbowl.

Two seasons after saying goodbye, Indianapolis fans sit anxiously in their living rooms, surrounded by family and friends watching an old hero fight for the Superbowl title once more.