It may not be long before there’s a new sheriff in Denver.
Legendary commentator Joe Gruden called Peyton Manning “the sheriff” after a 2009 Monday Night Football game because of the quarterback’s tendency to yell “Omaha” prior to the snap.
But SuperBowl 50 might be Manning’s “last rodeo”.
After Denver’s 20-18 win on January 24th against a tough New England Patriots team, Peyton Manning was spotted speaking with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach, Bill Belichick for a long time. Many believe Manning could’ve been telling both Brady and Belichick that this SuperBowl could be it for Manning.
On February seventh, Manning has a chance to achieve his second career Super Bowl victory in California. Many believe another championship would be the perfect way for one of the best quarterbacks of all-time. This doesn’t come as a surprise since Manning turns 40 in March. Aside from his age, Manning has continuously battled injuries throughout the last few years; most recently a foot injury saw him on the sideline for the beginning half of the season. With these last two weeks potentially being the last for Manning, it’s only right to take a look at what he’s been able to accomplish over his 17-year career.
Manning came into the league in 1998, selected first overall by the Indianapolis Colts after spending his college career at the University of Tennessee. As the new franchise player for the Colts, Manning led the team to eight division championships, two AFC championships, and one Super Bowl championship. During that span, he amassed five NFL MVP awards, which still holds as a league record.
In 2015, Manning broke the legendary Brett Favre’s record for most career touchdowns when he threw his 509th touchdown pass in a game against the San Francisco 49ers. To add to Manning’s list of accolades, he’s a 14-time Pro Bowl quarterback, NFL 2000s All-Decade Team player, Sports Illustrated’s 2013 Sportsman of the Year, and, of course, the NFL all-time leader in passing yards.
Sports fan can’t say anything bad about Manning. From his several appearances on Saturday Night Live, to his ridiculous on-field antics, it seems we are about to see one of the greatest athletes of our generation ride off into the sunset.
Does “OMAHA” sound familiar? Well cherish it because February seventh may be the last time you hear that audible at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
