Heatherthepackgirl
Cheesehead
Over the years, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has sent letters of praise to players in the National Football League he admires when those players decide to retire.
Manning told the Indianapolis Star that he had sent such letters to former New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck and Kansas City Chiefs guard Will Shields.
However, Manning told the Star, he held off on sending a letter of congratulations to former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, 38, who retired after the 2007 season, his 17th year in the league.
Manning didn't send a letter because he's not entirely sure Favre is going to remain retired. In fact, part of him wants Favre to keep playing.
"Like everybody else, I guess we'll see what happens this fall," Manning told the newspaper. "In a lot of ways I kind of hope (he returns). Brett's a guy that's been such an influence on me and all young quarterbacks.
"I guess part of it is kind of hope, maybe, that he finds his way back in the NFL this year."
Manning, 32, said he valued players who are able to have long careers in the NFL.
"I'm always very sensitive to players retiring," Manning said. "In the NFL, not many guys get to retire as much as they're sort of retired."
Because of Favre's retirement, Manning, entering his 11th season, becomes the active leader in almost all of the NFL's major passing categories. If he remains healthy and productive, Manning will one day break all the career passing records Favre came to set in the last few seasons.
"I do take a lot of pride in going into my 11th year," Manning said. "I always admire guys that have played as long as (Steve) McNair did or Favre did or (Dan) Marino did."
Manning told the Indianapolis Star that he had sent such letters to former New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck and Kansas City Chiefs guard Will Shields.
However, Manning told the Star, he held off on sending a letter of congratulations to former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, 38, who retired after the 2007 season, his 17th year in the league.
Manning didn't send a letter because he's not entirely sure Favre is going to remain retired. In fact, part of him wants Favre to keep playing.
"Like everybody else, I guess we'll see what happens this fall," Manning told the newspaper. "In a lot of ways I kind of hope (he returns). Brett's a guy that's been such an influence on me and all young quarterbacks.
"I guess part of it is kind of hope, maybe, that he finds his way back in the NFL this year."
Manning, 32, said he valued players who are able to have long careers in the NFL.
"I'm always very sensitive to players retiring," Manning said. "In the NFL, not many guys get to retire as much as they're sort of retired."
Because of Favre's retirement, Manning, entering his 11th season, becomes the active leader in almost all of the NFL's major passing categories. If he remains healthy and productive, Manning will one day break all the career passing records Favre came to set in the last few seasons.
"I do take a lot of pride in going into my 11th year," Manning said. "I always admire guys that have played as long as (Steve) McNair did or Favre did or (Dan) Marino did."