Peyton’s place will always be with Colts
Former QB’s statue is unveiled in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts unveiled a statue of Peyton Manning on a plaza outside Lucas Oil Stadium in a ceremony attended by hundreds of fans and featuring remarks from Hall of Famers coach Tony Dungy and executive Bill Polian, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The five-time NFL MVP concluded the event Saturday by proclaiming “I will always be a Colt” and throwing autographed footballs into the crowd.
The bronze likeness features Manning in his Colts uniform preparing to throw a pass. It was a rare time he wasn’t quite prepared.
“I keep checking my health to make sure everything checks out,” Manning told The Associated Press on Friday. “I’m not sure you’re supposed to be alive to see something like this.”
But he was alive and kicking and ready to celebrate with more than a dozen former teammates back in town Saturday.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels also spoke, as did longtime Colts center Jeff Saturday. Even David Letterman made a surprise appearance in what Manning informally dubbed an all-Indiana event — with the exception of Goodell.
“We all salute Peyton for being a tremendous ambassador for his community, our league and our game,” Goodell posted on Twitter after the ceremony. Everyone wanted a part.
Vice President Mike Pence, another former Indiana governor, was scheduled to arrive in Indy on Saturday night and plans to attend today’s game against San Francisco. Manning will be honored again with his induction into the team’s Ring of Honor. He also will become the first player from the franchise’s Indianapolis era to have his jersey retired.
BEARS: Chicago will be without outside linebacker Willie Young for the remainder of the 2017 season, a source told the Chicago Tribune on Saturday. Young has a triceps tear that will require surgery, an injury setback that will further deplete the Bears defense.
Young will become the third defensive starter lost for the season.
DOLPHINS: Miami’s long-awaited home opener — today against the Tennessee Titans — comes at a time when it’s badly needed. Coach Adam Gase’s ship is listing a bit, especially offensively, where they’ve managed only two touchdowns in three games.
While the mood around the locker room is far from panic-stricken, it’s …
“Urgent, I guess. Is that a good word?” defensive end Cameron Wake said.
“I think everybody realizes that we only get so many swings at the bat. You can’t just let any of these slip through your fingers.”
Fortunately for the Dolphins (1-2), who are last in the NFL in scoring (8.3 points per game) and yards per game (249), they’ve had some magic at Hard Rock Stadium, where they were 6-2 last season. Tennessee (2-2) quarterback Marcus Mariota is a game-time decision due to a hamstring injury.
VIKINGS: Minnesota quarterback Sam Bradford has been listed as questionable to play in the game at Chicago on Monday. Bradford has not played since the season opener because of trouble with his left knee. He was limited in Saturday’s practice.
Coach Mike Zimmer declined to confirm a decision about Bradford’s status until a few hours before kickoff Monday. “We’ll see,” Zimmer said.
JAGUARS: Jacksonville has ruled out starting center Brandon Linder for today’s game at Pittsburgh.
BILLS: Buffalo has promoted cornerback Greg Mabin from the practice squad and released receiver Philly Brown, four days after signing him.
RAMS: Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk are the only NFL running backs to rush for 1,000 yards and have 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. The LA Rams RB Todd Gurley enters today’s game against Seattle with 362 yards rushing and 234 yards receiving.