Peyton Manning and the End of an Era

Today, the Indianapolis Colts officially released Peyton Manning, rather then paying him a whopping bonus of $28 million to keep him. Manning didn't play at all during the 2011 NFL season due to a neck injury, and the Colts were still worried about his health and playing condition. Manning led the Colts to the Superbowl twice, winning it once.
Without Manning, Indianapolis had a record of 2-14, which was the worst in the league, guaranteeing them the first overall pick in the April NFL Draft. The main expectation is for the Colts to draft perennial college superstar Andrew Luck from Stanford. Luck is considered to be the most NFL ready quarterback, and also most likely to succeed. However, Baylor's Robert Griffin III, the Heisman winner from 2011, is making a good case to be the first pick. This is making people remember the 1999 draft when the Colts took Peyton Manning first overall, and he led them to greatness for ever a decade, while the Chargers took Ryan Leaf at number two overall. Leaf flamed out after never succeeding and often fighting with coaches and players. Many hope this won't happen with Luck and Griffin.

Now that the Manning era is over in Indianapolis, where will he go? The Dolphins, Chiefs, Jets, Cardinals, Texans, Seahawks, Redskins, and 49ers are apparently among the teams that want to sign the now free agent. Manning is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and no doubt belongs in the Hall of Fame. Hopefully Peyton will be healthy enough to return, and the team he plays for will have a game in Indianapolis.



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