Matt Barkley: Peyton Manning Taught Me How To Be a Dick

Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Many people think of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning as one of the most liked players in the NFL. He is wildly popular and has had some of the best ads in history of sports endorsements. Who can forget the one where he cheers people on at their normal jobs, “you’re my favorite accountant!”

But young USC quarterback has said he learned a valuable lesson from Peyton Manning in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Peter King.

“I learned a valuable lesson from Peyton, about sometimes you have to be a dick,” he said.

What he is referring to is Peyton Manning’s leadership and apparent dominance over his teammates. Though you have to wonder if he really needs to assert himself in his leadership or if Peyton Manning is really just that well respected.

But like other great athletes Manning expects the best out of his teammates.

“Doing what is asked is not enough to win in the NFL, I know that,” he said. “You’ve got to do more. And I intend to.”

What he is talking about of course is the offseason work out of teammates. With the decline of USC quarterbacks there is a slight hesitation about him. He is looking to dispel those rumors and change the trend. And following the Manning model of leadership he intends to make sure everyone is working out during the offseason, whether they want to or not.

“As I start my NFL career, I really want to set the record straight on a few things,” Barkley said.  “People look at me like I’m some Cali boy, but I’m not that way — I don’t even know how to surf.  I’m a football junkie.  I’m football, 24/7.”