We have all read the numerous reports about Peyton Manning’s neck to the point of nauseam. Sure, three procedures in a 19-month period is serious, but enough is enough, right?
Well I now have a different update for you, an exclusive for those who for reasons unknown to me, continue to read and email me about the things I comment upon. Despite the fact that I am not a cardiologist, I am telling you there is nothing amiss with Manning’s heart.
Now it is no secret that I have been critical of Manning for not disclosing more to us regarding his health and for not announcing what I feel is his inevitable retirement from football. But there can be no doubt his heart is sound as he took the time on the field prior to the Atlanta game to make the dreams of a young disabled man come true.
After this touching gesture, he then proceeded to walk around the stadium and sign everything you can imagine being offered by fans who were elated to have the opportunity to see him up close, shake his hand, and offer him positive comments about his health. Maybe he was simply looking to interact with those who have faithfully supported him and experience what I can only imagine is a incredible adrenaline rush in the process. Who can say for sure it wasn’t his last chance to do such? Certainly not me.
I took the opportunity to approach him to see if he might answer a few questions and before I could say anything he smiled and asked me how I was.
“Fine” I replied, and as I introduced myself, he said “While we have never formally met I recognize your mug from the locker room.” Considering the number of people normally jousting for his attention in a locker room, I suddenly felt semi important. When I stated I wanted to talk to him about anything but his health, he smiled and said, “That would indeed be a change of pace.”
I took the opportunity to walk along with him and in between the well wishers and VIPs he mentioned how difficult it was for him not to be playing as he felt he was letting both his team and the fans down. In an attempt to lighten the mood, I asked if this was worse than his inability to beat arch rival Florida while playing at Tennessee. “Absolutely,” he replied enthusiastically.
Before he had to scurry away to the locker room, I asked him when we could expect him to comment regarding his plans for the future. Signing one last autograph for a lady in the tunnel, he looked at me, smiled, and politely said, “I appreciate your support,” and then walked away. Obviously Manning was moved by the outpouring of support he received from those he touched that day, as his emotions were clearly visible.
He also seemed distraught that day and judging by the way he was unable to turn his neck from side to side to greet people, it looks as if his football days are behind him. But for a moment, he was again in the spotlight, carousing the sidelines, reaching out to those who adore him and who up until then had never had the chance to be close to him. All this with the persistent yet equally respectful yours truly in tow. He could not have been more pleasant and despite his reluctance to discuss his future, he did tell me how proud he was of Curtis Painter and that it was important for the fans to know nobody on the team was going to quit competing this year regardless of the circumstances.
So as I left the area outside the locker room, I paused to think about what he had said and how difficult it must be for a superstar to see the end of their career staring them squarely in the face. Then I thought about the young man he had met with earlier and how they both smiled at each other. That folks is much more important than football and clearly shows Manning’s heart is healthy, and indeed in the right place.
Danny Bridges, who thinks touching the life of a person is far more important than 50 touchdown passes, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
