The Peyton Manning Only A Teammate Can Know

Former NFL players reflect on one of the greatest quarterbacks ever

One of the main things I respected about Peyton Manning was how, even at a young age, you could tell he was different. We’d be in practice and you’d watch the quarterbacks go through the motions with their mechanics and footwork during the beginning of practice.

I started to truly respect his work ethic watching him go through his play action fakes instead of being a “spectator” like some QBs. He understood that following through with his fake had linebackers and safeties anticipating passes which then gave the running back a chance to make it to the second and third levels. I thought he was being one of the guys that just did everything a coach told him to, without understanding why, until I’d get a ball over my head because my eyes were in the backfield. That’s just one story on why he’s one the best QBs — and arguably the G.O.A.T.

Congratulations to my former teammate and Vol For Life #18 Pmanning. I was honored to share team captain with him my senior year. He’s one of the hardest working guys I know. He deserves to go out like the champion that he is.

I talked to two other guys who played with or against Peyton Manning. Pro Bowl linebacker Al Wilson, Peyton and I played together at the University of Tennessee. Al said:

Congratulations Peyton on an absolutely amazing career. You are the epitome of what a pro should be. You’ve been an amazing ambassador for the University of Tennessee, for the NFL and most importantly the Manning family. You’ve set a standard that can be followed for generations to come. I’m humbled to say that I had an opportunity to play with and learn from the greatest QB of all time! It’s been an honor to watch you.

And Green Bay Packers great Ahman Green said, “Proud to be apart of ’98 Draft Class with Peyton. A true professional of his craft!!”

But Peyton wasn’t the only guy who had a big impact on my football life in the news today. Lovie Smith was named head coach at the University of Illinois.

I’ve known Lovie since I was 18 years old. He recruited me out of high school, taught me the fundamentals of how to play defensive back — fundamentals that I’ve even passed on to other players.

Congratulations Lovie, and glad to have you back in Chicago.

Ray Austin is the co-founder of Project FANchise — a pro football team run by FANS. Find out more information at their site, http://FANchi.se.