Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning, Still #1

If I was a quarterback with aspirations of playing in the NFL, I would model myself after, Indianapolis Colts QB, Peyton Manning. Since entering the league in 1998, Manning has been a model quarterback, as evident by his stats. He's thrown for over 4,000 yards every year except two, and has a career completion percentage of, 64.7, with 353 touchdowns. The great numbers Manning has posted, is a reflection of the hard work he's put in to making himself one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game.

In a year full of change including, the retirement of their head coach, Tony Dungy, #1 receiver, Marvin Harrison being released, and losing Anthony Gonzalez in the first game of the season, the one constant for the Colts, has been Manning. The quarterback has the Colts on top of the AFC South with, a 9-0 record. In the first three games of the season, Manning had a 117.7 QB rating.

Peyton Manning has a great ability to adjust to changes and then, make those changes work. No Marvin Harrison fine, no Gonzalez, still fine, Manning will complete passes to whoever is lined up on the field with him. Like Michael Jordan, Peyton Manning seems to make players around him better.

In a day when quarterbacks taken #1 overall fail more then they succeed; Tim Couch, David Carr, Alex Smith, JaMarcus Russell, to name a few, the Colts got it right when they selected Manning over Ryan Leaf. Though he's been criticized for not being able to win big games, something that followed him during his college career at the University of Tennessee, Manning has been a savior for the Indianapolis Colts franchise. Since arriving in Indianapolis, Manning has lead the Colts to 9 winning seasons, and a Super Bowl title.

There are quarterbacks in the league with more Super Bowl rings, but there are none I would take over Manning, if I was starting a football team. Since day one, he's been committed to making his team, and organization better. When he retires, the quarterback section of the NFL record book will read, Peyton's Place.

Though he'll be remembered for the great things he did on game day, his hard work and preparation is what made it all possible. You don't just show up on game day and play like Peyton Manning. The time and commitment Manning gave to the Indianapolis Colts, and the game of football, is what I won't forget.

After his playing days are over, Manning should write a book on how to approach your job with commitment, dedication and professionalism. He's been a model employee for the Colts and a joy to watch for fans. Hopefully, by the time he's done playing, he'll have inspired young quarterbacks to strive to emulate his work ethic.

Sources:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/teams/stats/2009/indianapolis-colts/index.html
　

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