I've been watching football for well over a decade and never before have I seen a player with as much passion as Peyton Manning. Something such as passion might seem almost impossible to measure; it's not like there is a blueprint for such things.
Although many might feel that it is ignorant to proclaim one player as the "most passionate," I feel comfortable enough in my evaluation to not only say who, but explain why.
Enter in Peyton Manning. Anyone who has ever seen him play a football game cannot deny the passion he expresses on the football field. You often see him very animated in a number of fashions. Whether it's joy, anger, frustration, or aggression, never will you see this man not take the game of football seriously.
So, one has to beg the question: why is it that I'm proclaiming Manning as the most passionate player in football? Trust me, this proclamation is not some biased hero worship lacking a proper foundation.
Peyton has often earned himself the reputation of being the greatest student of the game. He's known for spending countless hours watching film and practicing in order to elevate his standard of play. Some have claimed that his excessive study is a product of insecurity.
You couldn't be further off.
You'll never find a more confident player then Manning. The extensive study and practice are all factors that contribute both to his on-field excellence and confident demeanor. Peyton lives by the philosophy that if five extra hours of film study earns him one more first down, he'd do it 10 times over.
It is that relentless dedication that has seen him become the pioneer of the NFL's most sophisticated offense. Never before has a quarterback called plays at the line of scrimmage. I'm not talking an audible which is changing to another play, I'm talking about reading a defense within a matter of seconds then signaling to your teammates what play you chose to run.
He's certainly had quality help both in the coaching department (offensive coordinator Tom Moore) and players around him who have been willing to take the extra time to learn this sophisticated offense. Even so, there is no question that Manning is the ring-leader of this offensive show.
His dedication and passion for the sport could be seen at a very young age. He was known for having a love for football during his entire childhood. If you've seen the footage of a little Peyton doing his five-step drops as a toddler, you know what I'm talking about.
After he graduated high school and became a hot college commodity, he had a decision to make. Everyone assumed he would go play for Ole Miss (where his father became a legend). Peyton, however, made the mature decision to not live off of his father's reputation. So, he decided to play for the University of Tennessee. He knew that if he went to Ole Miss that he'd be the top guy without having earned anything. He wanted to make his own way.
His production in the college ranks saw him become the most coveted quarterback in the NCAA. Had Peyton made the decision to enter the 1997 NFL Draft, experts knew he was certain to be the No. 1 selection. He instead continued to pursue his passion in the college ranks, turning down the opportunity to become a multi-millionaire, and instead opted to play his senior season.
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about 1 month ago
I'm not saying this as a homer, but I think most people would agree that Favre is just as passionate. That said, nothing can be more overstated in how good Peyton really is. I loved his father as a kid watching the Saints, and now I get to watch him.
about 1 month ago
Great Article. With a title like that, I expected a large amount of homerism. But you were able to back your statement with some well though out observations. Kudos.
Peyton is one of the greatest if not the greatest QB of all time. But he says he's not even the best qb in the family. Therefore, Eli will be the greatest QB of all time! =P
about 1 month ago
Manning changed the way the game is played from a QB/Offensive Coordinator standpoint.
about 1 month ago
Let's get this right out in the open-I AM a homer (for 33 years!) & I agree with your article. Just 2 things...Lots of old time QBs called their own plays, including the greastest QB of all time-John Unitas & the 2nd greatest QB of all time was planning on going to Ole Miss till his older brother Cooper, who was going there, was told he couldn't play football anymore. That's when Peyton decided to go to Tennessee.
from about 1 month ago
Yes older time QB's might have called their own plays but not at the line of scrimmage.
about 1 month ago
The 2nd most famous play in the greatest game ever played was changed at the line of scrimmage by Unitas after he & Raymond Berry saw how the Giants lined up.
about 1 month ago
I think Manning's up there. I'd probably take Favre or Ray Lewis over him though.
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