The Thing About Peyton Manning...

It started innocently enough. at a 1998 fantasy football draft.  I was a rookie so I picked rookie quarterback Peyton Manning.  Little did I know that this one simple act would lead to my admiration (some call it obsession) for Peyton.  Not in a weird school girl crush kind of way but in a "I will follow Peyton to whatever team he plays for" sort of way.

I love watching the man play.  Trying to figure out what he will do next, what record he will break, who will be his next target, how he normally figures out a defense by the end of the first quarter, and how intently he studies while he is on the sideline, it has just become well, an obsession.

While not every game was glamorous, they were all exciting!  Since that rookie year of 1998, I have spent countless hours watching Peyton play and normally there was no disappointment.  I was also lucky enough to see him play in person twice, once in NY against the Jets and once in Indianapolis, which was the experience of a lifetime for me.

I have to say it has been a great run as a Peyton Manning fan.  My closet holds two different Manning jerseys,  numerous T-shirts, blankets, collectibles, etc, because when you are a huge fan of someone you buy things and people buy things for you that relate to the person you are a fan of.

Now here I am at what might be the end of his extremely impressive career wondering what will happen.  Will Peyton retire?  Will he return for one more shot at the Super Bowl?  If he retires, what will he do, coach, announce, or heaven forbid leave football totally?  I guess we will know when Peyton decides.

If I could get a message to Peyton Manning, I would tell him that I am proud to be a fan.  There are very few players that have the drive, intelligence, and integrity that you have.  I believe you could make another season and do just as well if not better than this past season.  I know that there are naysayers out there who say you are too old, but only you can decide that.  If the decision is to retire, I would say, I understand and thank you for the memories.  Your future is in your hands Peyton, I can't wait to see what it brings you.

Until then I say Omaha, Omaha!