Manning the “villian” for first time in career
Three years and three days following the Indianapolis Colts’ first
Super Bowl victory since relocating, Peyton Manning will return to the same venue, Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Fla., but under unusual circumstances outside the 2009-10 MVP’s control.
And Manning has his competitive counterpart, Drew Brees, and the thirsty New Orleans Saints to thank for his perceived villain-like persona leading up to Sunday’s marquee event.
The fairy tale story that includes Brees, the blue-collar quarterback, and his plight to lead the city of New Orleans back to prominence following Hurricane Katrina is ready for its crescendo closing. For once, Bourbon Street has the opportunity to host a pre-Mardi Gras party, starting this upcoming Sunday night. And let’s face it, students enrolled in K-12 schools need a valid reason to play hooky the next day.
Not so fast.
Meet the bad guy: No. 18.
For the first time in his career, Manning can spoil any thoughts of a week-long Super Bowl celebration with the flick of his wrist. Just as easy, Manning can crush Brees’ hope of bringing the Lombardi trophy to New Orleans for the first time in history.
Clearly, this is not the identical role Manning played when the Colts faced Rex Grossman and the Chicago Bears in 2007. In addition to the Colts being seven-point favorites, after securing the Associated Press Most Valuable Player Award back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, the country rallied behind Manning to win his first Super Bowl. And when the clock
hit zeros, the monkey was removed off his back with the help of many who adored Manning throughout his nine-year career.
Manning had his time, and now its time for Brees to enjoy everything that comes with being a Super Bowl winner, such as the endorsements, a contract extension and a spot in NFL history.
It just wouldn’t be right for the second round draft pick product of Purdue University to make it to the Big Game and have his opportunity to shine snatched away by Big Bad Manning. In the larger scope—because, indeed, the game is bigger than Brees and Manning—the Saints organization and the “Who Dat?” nation, and the city of New Orleans have waited 43 years for a second reason to indulge in
sin-related activities.
Not to mention, Manning’s father, Archie, played for the Saints from 1971-82. Oh, and his eldest brother, Cooper, happens to be buddies with the quarterback Manning is playing.
That’s, right.
Brees and Cooper have been known to golf together and fish on occasion.
So, to sum it all up: Manning already has a Super Bowl Ring and the Saints have yet to win one. His father, who taught him how to throw a football, used to play for the underdog Saints.
Brees deserves to win his first championship after everything he has endured throughout his career.
If Manning leads the Colts to a win this upcoming season, he really loses. All odds are against him heading into this Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Don’t ruin a potential perfect ending, Manning.
