Peyton Manning is my favorite football player and that's why I balled my eyes out listening to him give his retirement speech at yesterday's press conference. When he was with the Colts, Bill got me an official Colts jersey. When Manning went to Denver, I got his number in Bronco style. It wasn't about the team for me it was about the player.
Of course I was elated when the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. I watched every segment of post game programs and 'day after Super Bowl' commentaries to see what was said about my favorite player. I wasn't looking or listening for his announcement of retirement because I knew he was going savor the Super Bowl win moments knowing the "forthcoming" announcement would have its own emotional toll. Watching and listening to this strong man yesterday was proof he was speaking from his heart.
Now I have to admit I didn't sit and watch each game during the season. Many times I would just watch and find out the score or watch highlights of the games. I do enjoy football but usually household chores keep me from sitting too still.
You may think that's not much of a fan but more than the game I was so drawn to this young man (yes he's still young!) who persevered in ways not many people do today. He didn't look for excuses but looked for ways to prepare and improve instead of pointing fingers. When he was injured, he worked and worked until he was able to play once again. No one could disagree of his love for the game and his desire to do better.
I loved how Peyton Manning kept his class during wins and losses and his family out of the spotlight and drama people crave. To see someone with his character yet with his clout is extremely rare.
As he closed yesterday's press conference, he quoted 2 Timothy 4:7 about finishing the race and keeping the faith. While Paul probably wasn't thinking about football when he wrote the verse, the meaning and intention can be applied to Peyton's (as well as our) lives. When we have finished our race/life, can we say we did it with our best efforts, not giving up when it gets hard, hushing the critics by living a life of faith. It is a worthy goal.
Omaha!
