Denver Wins the Peyton Manning Lotto

Wow.  Two weeks after watching the emotional separation between the Indianapolis Colts and iconic QB Peyton Manning, we here in the Rocky Mountain area are treated to the news that Manning has agreed to become a Denver Bronco.  We have watched breathlessly as the drama unfolded over the last ten days.  Many secret and very public meetings and workouts, conjecture from every sports writer and network, the pursuit of the most important free agent in NFL history dominated the sports scene even as MLB Spring Training and NCAA March Madness proceeded with their customary annual rituals.  It is almost a relief for the Colorado Rockies that so much attention has been focused on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, so that Jim Tracy and his squad have performed almost under the radar this spring.  Proof again, that this is, has always been, and shall forever be, a Bronco town.  Any bets as to who just might be a special guest at the Colorado Rockies home opener?

Feelings of Bronco fans, and Tebow fans, and football and sports fans in general, are split.  Though Peyton Manning's credentials are hall-of-fame worthy, there is nagging concern over his surgically repaired neck.  Tim Tebow was the focal point of one of the most incredible sports stories ever last season, as he led the Broncos from the doorstep of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, to a frenzied and unlikely march to a division title and a playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a jaw-dropping one-play, 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime.  So, in a way, Tim Tebow's heroics in lifting the Broncos from a possible #1 draft pick, to the 25th overall pick, ensured the seriousness of the Bronco brain trust to aggressively court Peyton Manning.  Until it became official that the Indianapolis Colts would not excercise the $28 million option due to Manning before the NFL free agency was set to begin on March 13, it was clear that he would be a very popular target as a free agent.  Great insight, foresight, by Peyton Manning's representatives to add that contract deadline when they negotiated the restructured deal last year.  It gave the Colts an escape clause if Manning's physical condition precluded a performance worthy of a $17 million salary cap hit, and it gave Peyton leverage to pick whatever team and circumstance would best fit his requirements.  That he chose Denver over San Francisco and Tennessee was a mild shock.  There had to be assurances from John Elway and the Bronco brass that the Tebow situation and other personnel issues would be addressed as the franchise moves forward.

In my mind, Tim Tebow would benefit greatly and progress as a backup to Peyton Manning here with the Broncos.  But, it's becoming fairly clear that Denver wants to see what, if any, marketability that Tebow has in the eyes of the rest of the NFL.  I do not sell Tebow's character, grit and determination short, that if given the situation as the #2 QB behind Manning, he would grab the opportunity with dignity and class, and really improve.  I think that in this scenario, he'd have the best chance to satisfy the question of his ability to become a "true NFL quarterback".  I do not see that happening for him in any other organization.  If the Broncos do trade Tebow, it'll be interesting to see if the manning-euphoria can counteract the tebow-manic depression.  My advice, John Elway, keep Timmy, he's more valuable as a backup here than a 5th rounder will be this season.  If you can wrest a 2nd round pick from Jacksonville, good-bye Tebow.  I would like to hear what Tim Tebow has to say about the whole deal.  The way that the entire Manning pursuit has been conducted thus far is so much more palatable than how LeBron James conducted his orchestrated move out of Cleveland, or Carmelo Anthony's departure from the Nuggets.

I'd be surprised if Tim Tebow would subjugate his goal of remaining a QB in the NFL by agreeing to be a backup QB/fullback/tight end in the new Peyton Manning offense, but I wouldn't put it totally out of the realm of possibility.  I'd like to see him stay, in any capacity, sports have so few truly good characters, that it'd be a shame to say good-bye to one.  I'd also like to see Manning request the #17 to honor his pal, fellow Tennessee Volunteer alumnus, Todd Helton.  All in all, a very uplifting day here in the Rocky Mountain sports scene.

I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge another bit of great news.  My son Ted and his fiance Amber Boro have decided to get married this Friday.  We will be celebrating this event at the Paris Resort in Las Vegas, at the roof-top Soleil Pool, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.  Ted and Amber have been together for seven years, are both in the midst of their Masters programs, both through the University of Colorado, Ted in Education and Amber in Nursing.  Both Ted and Amber are gems that have exhibited great drive and focus in their scholastic, professional and personal lives.  As a parent, I am proud and happy beyond explanation.  Kudos to Amber's parents, Troy and Jenni, for molding such a grounded and bright daughter.  And thanks and gratitude to Ted's mom, Kathy, for instilling excellent qualities in our son.

March Madness, indeed!