By: Martin Rand, III
Date: September 10, 2011
Wow, I can't believe it. This Sunday, on the first day of the NFL season, Peyton Manning will not be under center for the Indianapolis Colts. He had 227 consecutive starts, including playoff games.
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| Peyton Manning |
Since becoming the starting quarterback in 1998, he has started every game for the Colts.
To put into perspective how long Manning has been to work without an absence, let me lay out some random facts from 1998: Academy Award for best movie was "Titanic", Billboard's top song was "The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy and Monica and the price of regular gas was $1.08 per gallon.
See how long it has been since an announcer has not said Manning's name in the starting line-up of a game. That's 13 years of showing up to work every Sunday and doing a better job than most at his position.
I have a lot of respect for a streak like this because it shows dedication and passion. He didn't let the injuries, personal family issues or even a cold keep him from the gridiron.
Although, I wonder if the NFL Owners, and not the game Manning dedicated his body to, is responsible for his streak coming to an end?
I know Manning's third neck surgery in 18 months is the main culprit for him sitting out. But, due to the NFL lockout, he was not able to work with the Colts team doctors this off-season. The same ones who kept him on the field.
If he was able to work with the doctors who know his body best, Manning would be starting this Sunday and his streak would continue. I would rather see his streak end because a linebacker came charging through a rare hole in the Colts offense line and hit Manning so hard something gets knock out of place.
Or maybe that isn't such a good idea. Manning did sign a $90 million contract this off-season; and, with neck injuries already plaguing him, it's probably best that he doesn't get hit.
But, at age 35, one must wonder: is this the beginning of the end for Manning's career? When a streak like this is broken due to a nagging injury, it shows his age. It shows that he doesn't have the youthful elasticity to bounce back up after he's fallen down.
Hopefully, he can come back and, just like every Sunday for the last 13 years, be the Manning we all know and love to watch.
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