Manning's Legacy Takes A Blow

As Drew Brees & company are busy celebrating in Disney World and on rafters in what's said to be the biggest celebration in New Orleans parade history, Colts QB Peyton Manning is taking some heavy fire for not shaking hands after Sunday's big game. Instead of congratulating the better team and showing his sportsmanship, Manning was seen walking off the field with his head down. We seen the same thing last year in the NBA, when Cleveland Cavaliers star guard LeBron James decided to hit the showers instead of shaking hands with the eventual Eastern Conference Champion - Orlando Magic, at the result of his team being knocked out the playoffs. James was later fined for not addressing the media. Although James' actions were a bit unsportsmanlike, you would expect that from a young player. But as for Peyton, you would think the league's "best player" and the so called "greatest QB's of all-time" would lead by example.

What shocks me most, is that with all the pregame bonding with one another, a post game handshake would have been the least to expect. Especially given the great show of respect the two have for each other and relationship between both Brees & Manning. One of Manning's favorite targets - WR Reggie Wayne was also seen heading to the locker room without congratulating those who won. Although they may have let everyone who bet on them down, Las Vegas casinos already have them labeled as the favorites to win it all next season. Something else the Colts probably feel they let down is their fan base. A mere 11 fans showed up to show their support and greet the AFC Champion Colts once they landed at an Indianapolis air-port. Someone else who has to feel pretty dumb, is former head coach Tony Dungy who predicted the Colts to win it in a landslide and said, "I'd be surprised if it was a close game."

But the biggest blow regarding the Colts' defeat, is that of Peyton Manning's legacy. The aforementioned "greatest QB of all-time" finds himself 1-1 in Superbowl play. The record 4-time league MVP also finds himself two rings behind rival Tom Brady and one behind Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger. Although he still owns a respected record of .500 on Superbowl Sunday, the loss puts Joe Montana's perfect Superbowl record of 4-4 out of reach. & A mediocre playoff record of 9-9 doesn't seem to help much either. The usual clutch Peyton Manning was anything but that last Sunday and in my eyes unless he wins back-to-back tittles here pretty soon, the talk of him being the "G.O.A.T." should remain in front of Mr. Montana's name. With Manning on the losing end and a Lombardi Trophy now under Drew Brees' belt, many are beginning to ask, "who will be the first to win their second Superbowl ring, Manning or Brees?" Let the discussion begin!