Witnessing the phenomenon that is Peyton Manning from my Hoosier for 14 years, who built his No. 18 legend with the Indianapolis Colts, I’m used to getting excited about what the legendary quarterback could cause on a regular basis. Everyone wanted a piece of Manning in one way or another, from the fans to the media to the opposition. Who can forget the day in 2009 that then-Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher took Manning’s jersey and pointedly waved it at the famous caller. So he barely batted an eye when Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs signed Manning’s autograph on the field on Sunday. After further review, however, I can see why some folks would be a little hard on the matter, especially since the Denver Broncos brought the Chiefs into KC. Manning himself says the whole thing is completely overblown, but the controversy doesn’t seem to just blow away, and begs the question: just what is Manning’s autograph worth?
If you’re a Colts owner Jim Irsay, Manning’s contract scribbles have proven invaluable, just like the football dance that Manning was born in Indianapolis to us a Super Bowl title, a new stadium, a Super Bowl hosting gig and the continued presence of an NFL team. Without Manning’s brilliance, it’s probably fair to say that the Cubs are now playing in another city. Interestingly, the guy who once played the Cubs, Broncos bigwig John Elway probably read the Indy story and decided to sign Manning. in Denver it would be worth a pretty penny. So far so good, as Manning took Elway’s free agent money, and the Broncos were poised for a playoff berth. And, as we all know, what can be done if we only do it at a later time, right?
As this season progresses, it seems that the Manning-Broncos signing becomes more valuable on Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck each week. With Manning’s departure, Fortune landed in Indianapolis just in time to steer this magic carpet ride of the year as the Cubs poised for the playoffs after one year in pig purgatory. In fact, if trends hold, the Colts’ wild card will be in line to play their old nemesis, Nova. England Patriots or (wait for it) Manning’s Broncos.
All of which brings us full circle to the question of players asking other players about the corrupt notes after the defeat. Will Manning’s luck follow in John Hancock if the Broncos send the Cubs in January? Would Manning catch all the eyeballs on Fortune if the youngster unleashes some winter magic and lifts the Cubs over Denver? Either one of these is hard to imagine, and I think I could be mistaken if either happened.
Adam Hughes was raised and still lives in rural Indiana. He has been a Colts fan ever since the team arrived in Indianapolis on a snowy morning in 1984. The Blue and White finally replaced the Chicago Bears as the #1 team and the Super Bowl41 dream came true.
