I just finished listening to the press conference where the Colts let go of the guy who made them what they are today.
First impressions are that Irsay was sincere but trite. Manning prepared better and is a class act.
I argued this past season that I could have easily voted for Manning as the league MVP even though he never played a down. It was obvious that his value to his team was unparalleled. You can’t ignore the fact that he took his team to the playoffs 11 out of 13 seasons.
I love the fact that Peyton not only mentioned his teammates but also that he wanted to take time to say goodbye to Colts employees, people around the organization. I’ve always been a fan but my admiration for the guy went up several notches when he got weepy talking about the “people behind the scenes”.
For those who think Manning should just retire I have to guess you’ve never played. When you’ve done it as long as he has, if you feel like your body can do it, you have no desire to quit. I played from age 10 through college and the first season I stopped playing I couldn’t watch a full game without smelling wet grass and getting antsy.
It’s interesting to compare and contrast what must have been an emotional business decision to Irsay’s stumbling inability to communicate clearly. It’s not so much that he’s too choked up but more that he just doesn’t sound prepared. Maybe he thought he had it together, not sure.
I think it speaks volumes to the need for preparation. Irsay stumbled though an emotional announcement that was pretty much just what everyone expected him to say. By contrast Manning had prepared statement and came off crystal clear. His emotion was evident but it didn’t detract from his message.
I suppose Mr. Irsay will argue that he “just wanted to speak from the heart”. Funny how people that say that assume the heart doesn’t show up until the 11th hour, that somehow it isn’t there if you prepare ahead of time.
I look forward to seeing where Peyton lands and in the end I hope he gets to beat the Colts in a game that counts.
What do you think? Should the Colts have let Manning go?
…hearts are beating all the time
…we forget to remember that when we think, look, act, speak, dream forward through both the thick and thin of our lives
…your posts have been stupendous, Mr. Curtis H. Fletcher!!!
…what’s the “H” for?
…read your post. 🙂
While being a huge NFL fan, I have to admit that I don’t know enough of the details to determine whether or not they should have let him go…but he is the guy that got them to the playoffs numerous times, and once with a ring. I don’t see the advantage to letting him go. If he can do it, then get him on the field. If he can’t do it, then you have one of the best coaches available to help your team grow. Its probably a money thing…but I think the Colts organization would be okay for a year with him on the sideline.
Later!
Aaron
I would have kept him too!!
I hate when decisions have to be made solely because of money. Peyton is a class act, and I hope there are some good playing years left in him.
Even with just a financial assessment I would have kept him, add in all the “intangibles” such as player value, leadership, mentor ability, etc… The colts should have definitely kept him and worked out a way to get Luck. Manning doesn’t need the money but the Colts need Manning more then they know.
First of all Manning is an amazing player and person but is any athlete worth 50 million dollars for one season? We always complain about huge salaries of CEO’s and athletes so let’s do the math. Thought Process; I’m sure even with the signing bonus they could have gave a Luck what he wanted by giving a huge signing bonus then back loading his contract. Manning was never going to play out his entire new contract that’s why 69 million of the 90 million was due in the first 3 years.
In 2012, He Manning was due 28 million for a roster bonus and 23 million in salary this year. In his career with the Colts he was slated to make, Contract 1 = 48 million, Contract 2 = 99.2 million, Contract 3 = 90 million, but he only made 23 million. Total value paid out was = 170.2, even if he was on contract and got hurt insurance would have take care of it like they did last season.
A simple value to the team vs Cost to the team analysis; When the Colts drafted Manning in 1998 the team was worth approx 227 million, in 2012 the Colts were valued $1.1 billion then after their past season they dropped to $837 million, current difference is 228 million.
Bottom line;
1) Manning’s release was a big mistake and any kid can tell you that 228 million is greater 170 million.
2) Every company needs to rebuild at some point but you don’t do it by giving away the corner stone when you think that its shelf life is over.
3) You can’t put a price on loyalty.
Food for thought:
If he did come to Denver, do you think that the Broncos should trade Tebow or tab him for the QB of the future? How much do you think Tebow could grow under Manning? Giving his character I think he would welcome Manning.
Wow Mick, great analysis! I think you may be right on Tebow but it would still be tough to go fro starter who got to the playoffs to backup, even behing Manning. We’ll see if the Broncos can land him though!