Another Milestone

Peyton Manning has become the first person in NFL history to win the MVP award a total of four times. The voting came down to a four horse race with Manning receiving 39 1/2 votes, Drew Brees receiving 7 1/2 votes, Philip Rivers 2 votes, and Brett Favre 1 vote. In what was believed to be a close race Manning ran away with the award, despite the Colts two game skid to end the season. His three previous MVP honors came in 2003, 2004, and 2008, and with this season’s honor he breaks the tie with Brett Favre at three. 

This is just another trophy for Manning’s case, a case that is full of individual honors and awards, but is lacking in Super Bowl titles. Manning and the Colts are clearly amongst the favorites to make it to the Super Bowl, and Manning is someone who will certainly not let this award go to his head. Regardless of what happens this postseason, nothing can take away the superb season that Manning was once again able to put together. However, despite throwing for 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns with seven fourth quarter wins, his greatest accomplishment this season may have been his ability to bring along young players Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Collie and Garcon stepped into one of the league’s most high-powered offenses, and didn’t miss a beat. 

With his historic fourth MVP Manning is able to add another milestone to an already impressive resume. Although he may lack in Super Bowl rings, he certainly has no lacking of statistical honors and individual awards. Even though he may only have one Super Bowl ring, I find it hard to believe that people would hesitate to take Manning if they were building a franchise. He is the epitome of a professional and Colts fans have grown spoiled over the past decade with him at the helm, just ask Curtis Painter what he thinks about Colts fans and their quarterback. Manning is 33 years old and it is uncertain how much longer he intends to play for, but before he leaves I am sure he and Colts fans would like to see at least one more Super Bowl on his resume before he steps down as one of the greatest players of all time.