Super Bowl 50: Will Peyton Manning Take Control of His Legacy?
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning will bring everything he has ever played for in Super Bowl 50 against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California- in what could be Manning’s last game as a professional football player.
No one knows for sure, not even Peyton Manning himself, but Super Bowl 50 could very well be Manning’s last game playing professional football – and If so, and what a stage to be on (Beyonce is going to be there ya know).
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Manning is about to play in his fourth Super Bowl and has become the only quarterback in NFL history to bring two different franchises to the Super Bowl, twice.
At age 39, there is little doubt Manning’s time as a high performing, gun slinging quarterback are winding down. His recent injuries, including being out seven weeks due to Plantar Fasciitis, neck surgery only four years ago, and just simply father time, are catching up quickly. Manning’s first quarter touchdown to tight end, Owen Daniels in the AFC Championship game was his first touchdown in 77 days, to provide some perspective.
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The biggest question mark surround Manning in his illustrious career has always been his lack of playoff wins, and (only) one Super Bowl title, back in 2006 as a member of the Indianapolis Colts – defeating the Chicago Bears and Rex Grossman (remember?). After the Broncos were humiliated two years ago against the Seattle Seahawks in an absolute route, 43-8 in Super Bowl 48, many around the league thought Manning would never get back to the Super Bowl, and his legacy would remain with that one and only title.
I would bet that not a day goes by where Peyton does not think about that day.
Well, he’s back. Against all odds, predictions, you name it, the old man is back in the big dance and I would not put anything passed him in this game, his destiny, and what his legacy will be the day after, on February 8th.
The question surrounding no one is his legacy in the regular season – that is cemented as being one of the best quarterbacks of all time. However, the post-season for number 18 has been a different story throughout the course of his career. Manning’s fourth Super Bowl will be the biggest game of his career.
In the AFC Championship game this past Sunday, Manning looked relatively sharp and more importantly, healthy. Physically, he completed 17/32 for 176 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. More importantly, what he continuously brings to the line of scrimmage is his chess match-mentality and the ability to throw off and manipulate any defense he faces. New England was no different.
Manning knows the next game of his career will be the most important of his career – his legacy game. It just so happens to be the Super Bowl.
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If Denver can win (and bring home their third Super Bowl title in franchise history), all of the questions surrounding his legitimacy as a post-season quarterback will fade away into the sunset…
much like Manning will do if he ends up holding the Lombardi Trophy.