An Open Letter To An Aged Peyton Manning

If you do not know who Peyton Manning is, then quite frankly, it is time for you to come out of your shell. Peyton Manning is the NFL’s biggest name in the modern era, is the greatest regular season quarterback who ever lived, and is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever period. Here is an open letter to Peyton Manning from me.

“Mr. Manning, let me begin by congratulating you on one of the greatest football careers ever. You are without a doubt, a first ballot hall of famer, and rightfully so. But, as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. We have enjoyed every moment of your career, but at the same time, Father Time is calling for you. Before you think about putting it off, remember, Father Time waits for nobody. If you believe you can defeat Father Time, let me also remind you that Father Time has never lost. He is undefeated, perfect, and without a loss since the beginning of time. Some may take longer than others, but eventually, Father Time defeats every opponent he comes up against.

I know you might also say that you think you can still play this game. Well, this may sound very brutal, but it is the truth. Sorry Mr. Manning, but you have looked old, tired, and uninterested the entire season. If I were your adviser, I would strongly advise you to walk away now with your health and dignity. I understand what you are chasing, it is the same thing Brett Favre was chasing. You, like Favre did, want the one thing you don't have, a Super Bowl MVP. I’ve got some bad news for you though, it's not going to happen. There is a reason why it is called "the prime of your career", and that prime does not take place at age 40. Brett Favre found that out the hard way as well. This is a young man's game.

You were beat on Sunday by young man named Andrew Luck who is better than you now. I know what you see when you look at Mr. Luck, you see yourself 15 years ago. You see a young, talented quarterback on the rise, destined for greatness, much like you once were. It is the same thing Brett Favre saw when he looked at Aaron Rodgers. I understand it must make you older guys jealous whenever you do that. Mr. Luck will continue his ascension to the NFL's elite next week when he defeats your career adversary, the legendary Tom Brady, and advances to the Super Bowl. After that he will complete his rise when he defeats the Seattle Seahawks on the biggest stage in football and walks away with the Lombardi Trophy as well as the Super Bowl MVP award, then rides back to the house that you built in Indianapolis a hero.

If you are reading this you must not feel too good about yourself at this moment. But Peyton, you can’t play forever. Nobody can. You have nothing to be ashamed of and you have nothing left to prove to anyone. Everyone enjoyed every moment if your great career,  and you can walk away with your head held high. So go ahead, take your millions, your health, your dignity, walk away for good, and start preparing that future hall of fame speech that you will need ready in five years. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors Mr. Manning, and one last time, thank you for a great career.” 

Brett Favre Are You Finished Yet?

I'm glad that I recorded last night's game between the Vikings and Bears. After another night of holiday shopping, it was nice to crawl into bed to watch Monday Night Football. Favre started the game, to the surprise of many. I get it. He's got the smarts to know what do on the field, but the dude has no parts left. He couldn't even raise his right arm in celebration when he threw what will surely be his last touchdown pass.

To see Favre get slammed to the turf by some rookie lineman was not fun. He didn't move for about three or four seconds, and that made me sick. Call it a career Brett Favre. We loved you in Green Bay. We don't like you in Minnesota, but after Rodgers swept the Vikings this season, it hurts a lot less to see you wearing purple. Walk off under your own power. Go take a few months off, heal, and think about sportscasting, or fly fishing, or riding the most tricked out lawn mower on your property in Mississippi. We don't want you back in uniform because it makes us nervous.

When Favre walked to the sideline, face smeared with that turf powder, cheeks burning red, and a far away gaze in his eyes, I felt compelled to turn off the game. Favre was finished for the night, so I kept watching. There was no glorious comeback for the Vikings. The Bears are NFC North champs, and Green Bay needs big help to get a Wild Card spot.