I can remember when the Colts were throwing sand on Peyton Manning, thinking he was done because of his possible career-ending neck surgery. There is no way Indianapolis can hide from their mistake of three short years ago; or for the Colts, three long years ago.
The 38-year-old quarterback for the Denver Broncos has proven to be the best passer in the history of the game. Last weekend, the Broncos defeated the San Francisco 49ers 42-17 as Manning threw for four touchdowns. He now has an NFL record 510 touchdown passes, with more to come, breaking Bret Favre's TD mark of 508.
To be fair to Indianapolis, It was an understandable move by the Colts for not renewing Manning's contract. It was a gamble that they were not willing to take, even though under Peyton's direction, in 2007, the Colts won Super Bowl XLI; Manning was MVP. He has been in three Super Bowls, recently as last season, in Super Bowl XLVIII, when Denver lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 43-8.
The value of Manning has paid off twofold for the Broncos. Obviously it was a chance—after Manning's surgery—that Denver doesn't regret. My admiration for this guy is basically a part of my demeanor. I admire an outstanding athlete, no matter the sport, when the athlete demonstrates humility by expressing his or her modesty for the honors and accolades of accomplishments.
My recent story about Derek Jeter will attest to that type of characterization of a celebrity athlete. Peyton Manning, in my opinion, came from the same mold that Jeter was shaped from. I think in today’s world of professional athletics, including collegiate sports, it's a rare find to have people like Peyton Manning and Derek Jeter who express their gratitude to others for guiding them on their path to success.
I have a difficult time with those athletes who take all of the credit for their performance and fail to see the influences of others in their achievements, big or small, in their venture of a dream come true. I understand the meaning of the many clichés that come out of sports, like the idioms: walk the walk (to show that something is true through actions), or talk the talk (to say something in a way that appears to be true or real), or standing tall (to be brave and proud) among his or her peers.
What do they really mean? In part, they mean to recognize that life's journey is not a solo experience.
In recent weeks, Florida State’s 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, Jameis Winston, got himself in trouble for his actions off the field. Last year he was accused of sexual assault by an FSU co-ed. Recently, and unfortunately, his off-field behavior has been to his demise. Of course it reflects on the university.
My feeling is that athletes, especially high profile stars, who are right out of high school or maybe just a couple of years past the life of worship they received as scholastic stars, and who are now suddenly national figures and in the limelight of fame, still need guidance for the many facets of college life.
Those of us who are the adults in the room forget that these college stars, or potential college stars, are still basically kids.
Coaches and administrators, on all college and scholastic campuses, need to wake up and look past their personal motives and gains by giving more assistance/guidance to these young men and women who are readying themselves for their future.
Maturity is never definitive. It is a continuing process, and there are many levels of growth for individuals to experience in the process.
So the Peyton Mannings and Derek Jeters are the molds we can use to guide these budding stars. They are excellent examples for a healthy emulation for all athletes. There are so many things to learn through the experience of others, and when people like Manning and Jeter express gratitude for their teammates and others who have influenced their lives, it gives the younger athlete something to absorb and understand.
Manning has a lot to be proud of for his accomplishments as a superhero in pro football, as does Jeter with his success in pro baseball.
Peyton credits his teammates—the receivers and linemen (unsung heroes of football)—for what they have done for his career. In doing so, he demonstrates his respect for their contributions in his success, which becomes a two-way street. He and Jeter both expressed their appreciation for their families, which makes you realize the importance of others' influence.
Achievement is not a lonesome road, no matter what some think. It takes nudges or even a push from a community of caring people: "It takes a village."
Oh, what a great cliché, because it demonstrates the effect of one or more people in a community for their influence on an individual. People like parents, coaches, teachers, a clergymen or anyone else who believes in that individual.
A “thank you” will suffice!
My hat goes off to the celebrity professional athlete who doesn't hesitate to share the credit for his or her success. These are the guys who generally have earned respect from the fans and people around them, as they become role models and icons of American society.
