Peyton's Power

Wanna see what true power is? Look no further than Peyton Manning.

Yes, it’s sad to see him leave the Colts. I don’t know why but it was. He’s not retiring or dead. Both team and player will go on but for a player and owner to put up such a classy divorce is very rare. We all know this was a business decision that was only made because of a hundred rare occurrences had to take place, but a business decision none the less. Here are just a few things that ALL had to happen to lead up to the Colts cutting Manning:

Andrew Luck comes out for the draft in 2012
Manning has not 1, 2, 3 but FOUR neck surgeries
Manning misses an entire season, which before that he played 14 years and never missed a game
The Colts lost 2 games. Winning 1 more would have knocked them out of the first slot in the draft.
For the first time in 9 years I believe they won less than 10 games. You’d think a team like that could at least win 3 games with a backup QB?
Manning just signed a new contract prior to last year which included a $28 MILLION bonus if still on the team March 9th
Only a grainy cell phone video has come out of Manning passing, no other proof he can play let alone throw a football
Almost all of Manning’s “friends” on the team where in their final year as well, i.e. Saturday and Wayne
No other team in the league, Cleveland / Miami / Jacksonville / St. Louis / Seattle / Minnesota, (just to name a few horrible teams) couldn’t have lost more games than a recent Superbowl champion

It’s such a confluence of events that is almost unbelievable. But they all happened and more, which led the Colts to decide on cleaning house and moving forward to a new era in team history.

As I said, Manning is not dead. By all accounts he’s ready, willing and able to play again. This has made him into the most coveted free agent in NFL history. I can probably only think of 5 – 10 teams that shouldn’t blow up their current roster to get this guy and give him everything he wants. From offensive player selection, signing free agents, whom to draft, what coaches he wants and the plays that he feels comfortable with. As head coach, you basically have become a glorified defensive coordinator. Let Manning be Manning if you’re going to let a man, who will be carried into the Hall of Fame, cook the meal than let him shop for the groceries. Done deal. Even if you think you have a potential QB, you don’t…. Unless you have a QB with the name Brees, Manning, Brady or Rogers; you don’t have a QB as far as this is concerned. I know Stafford and Newton look good. I know teams have invested tons of money into first, second and back up’s waiting for their chance QB’s but forget all that. this is Peyton Manning who could be still in his prime who’s had a years rest. If he can play, you do whatever it takes to get him. Because at this point, you don’t have to give up anything in a trade, it’s just money. Unlike in other sports, the NFL is printing money right now. It’s not just the big markets, it’s every NFL team. So spend some of this money and immediately turn your franchise into a Superbowl contender.

This is what true power is. What’s crazier is that the earlier that Manning decides where he wants to play the more power he’ll have; over the draft and free agent signings. If he waited a month, teams would have already made some of these key decisions. But the sooner Manning finds a home the more control / say the team will be able to give him.

Manning is also the biggest domino to fall. He affects every free agent QB. He will affect what ever team he goes to current QB situation (Smith, Kolb, Schaub all frozen in fear). He will affect how and what position players teams are going to draft. Manning is truly the first domino.

It’s hard to come up with words that have not already been said about this process. For one of the first times that I can remember, this is the most power that any one player has had over any sport. The next few days should be completely fascinating. Then the repercussions of Manning’s decision will also be fun to watch.