The Legacy of Peyton Manning

Congrats to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts for their Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears.

But the commentators and ex-jock talking heads kept using words like "coronation" and "legacy." This begs a few questions.

Question: At his current pace, Manning will likely own most - if not all - important quarterback records before his retirement. Wouldn't that be enough of a legacy?

Answer: No. Dan Marino was as good as Manning - if not better. Marino had only one shot at the title and unfortunately his Dolphins ran into Joe Montana's 49ers. Marino, who owns (or has owned) many passing-related records, is lauded by football fans as one of the greatest ever. Immediately after the lauding, however, the phrase "but he never won the Big One" is spoken. Manning, who will eclipse Marino's records, would suffer the same fate.

Question: Does he need to win another Super Bowl to be considered one of the greatest ever?

Answer: Ever hear of Bret Favre? He's 1-1 in Super Bowl appearances. Even though he's recently announced he'll play at least one more year, his chances of getting another ring are pretty small. Yet, by hoisting that trophy just once, he's secured his reputation and football immortality. Peyton's earned the same.

Question: Does this get rid of the "Manning Curse?"

Answer: The so-called "Manning Curse," in short, is assumed to exist because: 1) His father Archie, played for the then-hapless New Orleans Saints and never made the playoffs; 2) Peyton didn't win the National Championship when he played at Tennessee; and 3) Younger brother Eli is having a pretty tough time as a Giant. Total championships in the Manning Trophy Room before Super Bowl XLI: Zero. Now: One. Yeah, I'd say the curse is officially lifted.

Sure, there are more questions you could ask about the Middle Manning's legacy. But, pains me as it does to write this (I'm a life-long Steelers fan), Peyton Manning, with the Colts' win, has secured his place among the greats.