[Opinion] A Fistful Of Reality: Letters To Peyton Manning And The Denver Broncos From A Former Fan
Dear Peyton,
Congratulations on picking a team, which best suited your needs, to sign with. Denver must have really seen something in you that Indianapolis didn’t to offer you the rumored $90 million for five years. There is nothing better than being 36, coming off of major neck surgeries, and knowing that a team is committed to you until you are 41. There haven’t been many successful quarterbacks, especially at an elite level, into their forties, so you are a definite score for their franchise.
Peyton, I am wondering how you feel about ousting one of the most popular, and talked about, players in the league from his starting position. It seemed to me that Tim Tebow was never given the type of chances in Denver that you were granted in Indianapolis, but when he was, he rose to the occasion. Tebow was forced to scramble almost every play last season, yet took his team to the playoffs and upset the Pittsburgh Steelers in one of the best playoff games in history. I wonder how you will handle having to constantly scramble. Well, your legs are probably fresh after taking the past season off, so you should be okay for a bit. Do you think the Broncos will fix the gaping holes in the line that they never would for Tim?
It truly is great to see you returning to the NFL and with it to the world of commercials. You have an advertising history with Oreo, and you probably know that they are celebrating their 100th Anniversary. This is a perfect opportunity for a co-promotion, as you celebrate your 100th year in the NFL and they celebrate their 100th year as America’s favorite snack cookie.
How does it feel to follow in the footsteps of other greats synonymous with one team for so long, who have gone on to play for other teams in their waning years? Remember the post-Packers Brett Favre? Try as many may, most cannot seem to erase the idea that it wasn’t so successful of an experience. Between him sending pictures of his pants packer to a woman half his age and hogging the opportunity from a younger quarterback to help rebuild two different franchises, it just didn’t end well. Don’t worry though, you are perfectly repaired, surrounded by some of the best players in the NFL, and will look good in orange and blue.
One last thing before I sign off. There is no doubt that you are prepared to play all of your games at an outdoor stadium in Denver. You spent a number of years playing in the high hills of Tennessee while in college. Then you spent every year since then playing in an indoor stadium in Indiana. Your lungs and body have adjusted well to both difficult climates, so Denver should be a piece of cake.
Anyway, have a great season or five, enjoy the $90 million, and break a leg.
Sincerely,
Matt Wright (a former fan)
P.S. Enjoy the nosebleeds.
I read this article with a sinking feeling in my heart. I realize the writer, whom I admire, feels the sting of Tim’s treatment. I would venture that millions of fans are hurting for Tim. But, this is a good time to thank God for what He has done with and for Tim Tebow. He is not finished with Tim. Any place He chooses to take Tim, will be improved by his very presence. I am thinking the Jets need the blessing of the LORD about now. As we watch Tim’s present and future, we will cheer for him in our hearts. I actually feel for Peyton because he will try to fill those big shoes and it will probably not work for him. More and more fans will cheer for Tebow on and off the field, on earth, as they already do in heaven.
God bless you for using your gift of writing to make us think.
Well stated review and it expressed many of my sentiments also. I was wondering why this all took place. I believe Manning will have some difficulty in moving to Denver for all the reasons stated by the writer. However, the world will be following Tim Tebow more closely and cheering him on because he plays with heart grounded by his faith in God. Best wishes to Manning, but all the money in the world does not a player make. Viva La Tebow, Denver made a mistake!