Peyton Manning, one of the most decorated football players of all time, was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame over the weekend.
Manning was the headliner of the 2021 Hall of Fame Class and was selected in his first year of eligibility. He played on two Super Bowl-winning teams, is a five-time MVP, a 14-time Pro Bowl selection, Offensive Rookie of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
Manning was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 and spent 14 seasons with the team. Manning made the Colts playoff contenders and led them to a Super Bowl XLI win, earning him MVP honors. In his induction speech, Manning made sure to thank the organization for everything they did for him and how proud he was to be part of the team.
“To Jim Irsay and the Indianapolis Colts organization, my gratitude is off the charts,” Manning said “You drafted me in 1998 and it was a joy and a privilege to represent the Horseshoe.”
After 14 seasons with the Colts, Manning signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012. He spent his final four years leading Denver to a total of 50 wins and four consecutive AFC West division titles. Mannings’ final season saw him lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 win in the final game of his career. Manning retired with numerous single-season and career records, including his 5,477 yards passing and 55 touchdowns in 2013.
The quarterback also made sure to thank the Broncos for signing him. “To Pat Bowling, the Bowling family, and the Denver Broncos organization, you took a chance on me at a crucial moment in my career, and I will never forget it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Manning showcased his lightheartedness in his speech by poking fun at his rival/friend Tom Brady.
“My good friend Tom Brady is here tonight,” he said as Brady was met with a loud chorus of boos. “By the time Tom Brady is inducted in his first year of eligibility in the year 2035, he’ll only have time to post his acceptance speech on his Instagram account.”
The two-time Super Bowl Champion ended his speech with the following.
“During the past few years, the game of football has been challenged by an explosion of sports and entertainment options,” Manning explained. “Safety concerns, erupting social-justice issues and a worldwide pandemic. Displaced fans have taken on an entirely new meaning, as our stadiums have been shut down and fans shut out. We certainly shouldn’t walk away now.”
“The audience here tonight is made up of diehard fans who feel football deep in your bones,” Manning concluded. “Now, we may have ignited the fire, but you, you have fanned the flames. Inevitably, those flames will be whipped by the winds of change, but they don’t need to smolder. The future of this game is ours to shape. We just need to take tomorrow on our shoulders as readily as we donned our pads before each game. Let this moment become a cherished memory, and then remember: A legacy is only worthwhile when there is a future to fuel.”
