Today’s is Peyton Manning’s last day as an Indianapolis Colt, and to announce such a drastic alteration in the sports world, Colts owner Jim Irsay and Manning took to the podium for Manning’s last press conference as a member of the team that drafted him. It was a bittersweet day as both men shed tears, and reminisced about the good things the Colts have accomplished during Manning’s tenure.
It should be noted there was no animosity from either party. Irsay hoped for the best for Manning and, of course, Manning didn’t have one bad word to say about his former franchise. A couple of screenshots from the presser do a good job of relaying the mood:
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The second screenshot was taken while Manning was in the process of holding back tears. Clearly, both men regret this unfortunate business decision, and, as you might expect, Twitter felt the same way. First, however, here’s perhaps the most precise tweet concerning the Colts decision to part ways with Manning:
Is Jim Irsay SURE Andrew Luck will be better long-term than Robert Griffin III? I’m not.
Much to my surprise, Skip is on the right track, but he still fails to ask the most important question: Will either of these rookies be better than Manning? Irsay better damn well hope so. As for the rest of the Twitter reaction, a great deal of sadness was apparently had by all who support the Colts:
so glad I am not at that press conference because I would be balling my eyes out there and not at my desk #indycolts
#indycolts OMG we may become like Tenn Fans now, rooting for Peton even when he plays us.
this press conference is breaking my heart #indycolts
Bye Peyton. I’m just heartbroken right now. #indycolts
“The Manning jersey will never again be worn by a Colt on the field.” -Irsay
Meaning the Colts will retire the number 18 jersey. Considering all that Peyton accomplished there, it only makes sense. The reaction continues:
The difference between the Peyton Manning situationa and the Brett Favre situation is that Peyton isn’t retiring. #indycolts #class
RT @nflcolts: “Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I have truly enjoyed being your quarterback” -P. Manning #indycolts http …
@jimirsay “Peyton completely unselfish” during this process #colts #indycolts
I’m glad Irsay didn’t try to frame Manning as some kind of troll who demanded this kind of upheaval, because the opposite is true. Irsay and his cronies fell in love with Andrew Luck and have decided to rebuild the team around the soon-to-be rookie. If Manning goes to another team and plays like the Manning of old, I wonder how Colts fans will feel, especially when their rookie quarterback inevitably struggles?
