MANNING ALL CLASS IN HIS FAREWELL
Quarterback scripts his perfect NFL ending
This was so much better than getting kicked to the curb, staying too long or going out sideways while seeking another run at Super Bowl glory.
Peyton Manning gave his retirement address Monday, and it was an instant classic.
It’s what we’ve come to expect from the quarterback who revolutionized the way his position is played with preparation, precision and control. At the end, he even uttered “Omaha.” OK, Manning — who thanked many friends and teammates in his monologue, and so eloquently paid homage to people and situations that he will miss in retirement— failed to mention Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and his big brother DeMarcus Ware until the question- and- answer session.
Hey, nobody’s perfect. The Denver Broncos defense, led by Miller and Ware, had much to do with Manning becoming the first quarterback to win Super Bowls with two teams. Can’t forget those guys.
Regardless, Manning, who deserved his classy send- off in the best way as one of the NFL’s all- time greats, did right by so many in his well- crafted farewell moment.
When the toughest question came, from USA TODAY Sports’ Lindsay H. Jones, regarding the 20- year- old sexual harassment allegation from a female trainer during
their tenures at the University of Tennessee, Manning was ready for that, too.
Rather than completely dismiss the topic that has resurfaced since the last time he spoke publicly and threatened to tarnish his clean image as he headed into retirement, Manning answered the question. He denied the allegation again and provided a glimpse into his mind- set about it. He’s “sad” that the facts, in his view, are being overlooked; he doesn’t feel the need to “relitigate” the case.
“This is a joyous day,” he said. “Nothing will overtake that.”
Then Manning ended the response by quoting the fictional Forrest Gump.
Not funny. Even if his version is accurate, there’s no reason the high- profile pitchman needed to insert a punch line in addressing something as serious as a sexual harassment allegation.
Still, it was pretty much a perfect ending after such a trying season, which included a foot injury that sidelined him for seven weeks and a report that linked him to shipments of HGH ( which he vehemently denied and is still under investigation).
Manning, whose five- MVP legacy is wrapped with the persona and practice of being in control, said farewell with that vibe intact.
He’s going out on his terms, having achieved the championship he set out to win when he left the Indianapolis Colts and joined forces with John Elway.
Any chance that Manning will change his mind and come out of retirement? “No chance,” he promised. So he’s no Brett Favre. After deliberating on his decision for weeks, he sure seems like a man at peace with that. He declared that there are no regrets.
“I don’t run as well or throw as well as I used to,” Manning said, “but I’ve always had good timing.” He knew. It’s time. Despite the speculation in recent days that Manning might try to play elsewhere in 2016, the timing of this decision is so Manningesque in another way.
No. 18 is bowing out after 18 seasons. In the Manning sphere, 18 is a perfect number.
It’s been cool to take stock of the respect expressed with reactions from the NFL landscape since ESPN’s Chris Mortensen — who also got a mention from Manning, with a deft touch as part of an anecdote — broke the news of the quarterback’s decision Sunday.
No one said it better than two of Manning’s classic rivals, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, who lauded him for raising the essence of the position and making those around him so much better.
Manning had his chance to return the favor for all the gratitude he’s received, and by and large he nailed it.
Sure, as he detailed, he will miss so much about the game.
But the game will miss him, too.