Life Preservers

Rooting for Peyton

January 27, 2014 at 5:40 pm Leave a comment

When it comes to the Super Bowl, it’s more fun to have a horse in the race. This time, mine’s a Bronco.

Let me state right up front that I’m from Pittsburgh, and Terry Bradshaw is and always will be my favorite quarterback of all time, but Peyton Manning is my favorite active QB. And not just this week; I’ve been saying that for years.

Why?

• I like Peyton Manning because he’s a great player who makes for some really exciting football.
• I think he’s hilarious. If you haven’t seen him on Saturday Night Live, google for video. If you haven’t seen his commercials, move out of your cave.
• I like him because he does a lot of work for charity.
• I like him because he is humble and self-deprecating. He’s a good sport.
• I like him because he wears his heart on his sleeve.
• I like him because Tony Dungy likes him.
• I like him because family dinners at the Manning house are rowdy and hilarious but also loving. They hug a lot. They laugh at farts. And post-dinner charades are epic.

Okay. I’ve never actually had dinner with the Mannings. And I can’t back up what are, obviously, my own inferences about a man I’ve never met. But I am also rooting for Peyton Manning because of one undeniable fact:  He’ll be in MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Despite major surgeries – on his neck. Despite lingering nerve damage – in his throwing arm. He’ll be there.

He’ll be there despite a kick in the teeth from the people who knew his work ethic best. Jim Ersay won’t be in East Rutherford on Sunday. But Peyton Manning will be there.

I want the Broncos to win — not just because I’m a Peyton Manning fan but also because it would be a life preserver moment. I’d like to see that, sometimes, that’s how Life works.

I’d like to see perseverance and courage pay off. I’d like to see the odds beaten. I’d like to see Ersay’s kiss-butt public relations dance. I’d like to see the Broncos’ faith rewarded. I’d like to hear their quarterback talk about a great team effort. I’d like to see him have that chance to be gracious and proud and happy.

I’d really like to see the nice guy finish first.

And then go get a Super Bowl ring sized for his middle finger.

Entry filed under: Life Preservers. Tags: Broncos, perseverence, Peyton Manning, super bowl.