The tributes have poured in from across the country — from teammates, fans, celebrities and stars…
From former NBA’er, Allen Iverson: “Congrats to the best EVER! Peyton Manning! Thanks for GIVING US U!!!”
From actor Rob Lowe: “Peyton Manning’s farewell speech: a clinic on class, gratitude, humor, intellect and emotion. Football’s GOAT ambassador moves on. #18.” [“GOAT” refers to the sports acronym of “Greatest Of All Time.”]
From Tiger Woods: “It was an honor to watch #18 for all these years. He revolutionized the position. Now we can play more golf in the future, but this time I need shots. Also my Raiders have a better chance of finishing higher than 4th in the division now.”
From Indianapolis owner, Jim Irsay: “Few have left their marks on a sport as Peyton Manning has. Simply put, he revolutionized NFL football.”
From Denver legend, John Elway: “Peyton was a player that guys wanted to play with. The impact he has made and will continue to make to youth is second to none.”
And from New England, respected rival, Tom Brady: “Congratulations Peyton, on an incredible career. You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better. It’s been an honor.”
When a good man walks away — a person whose integrity is solid — people notice; the man will be missed. It was clear on Monday, when Peyton Manning retired from the NFL after 18 years, that he indeed will be deeply missed.
As a longtime Colts fan (although paling more than slightly in comparison to my older brother, a clear Manning aficionado), I enjoyed many of the insights and stories shared as a tribute. People spoke of his character and his work ethic; they spoke about his talent; and so many remarked about Manning’s meticulous preparation, a readiness that seemed second to none. One story, though, stood out to me, especially relevant here.
It wasn’t a story, however, that appeared on the front pages or web headlines; it went arguably unnoticed; and if shared, it was buried perhaps in the middle of longer commentaries of seemingly greater significance. But there was something deeper laced within the perspective that made me think of all those who desire to lead us now…
It was shared in a reflection between Bill Polian and Jeff Saturday — an executive and player who worked with Manning in Indianapolis. They spoke about Peyton’s locker room…
Most all pro football players dress, prepare, wind and unwind before and after games fairly near each other in their respective team locker rooms; the individual quarters are notoriously close to one another. The quarterbacks, however — especially the more well known in the league — typically have more segregated quarters. They have space roped off, allowing more room for both self and media interest.
That, though, was not the way of Peyton Manning.
Choosing to forgo the option of more isolated quarters, Manning chose to locker with his offensive line. He could have claimed a rightful space all his own, but he did not. He purposely chose to change along with the men who would protect him on the gridiron — interact with those whose names rarely show up in the headlines. Manning was building relationships of trust through routine, locker room activity. In other words, he forwent personal privilege for the purpose of building relationships and enhancing communication. His actions — which spoke far louder than his words — showed he never looked down on those whose role was different; he never thought of others as lesser.
Question (and especially relevant here): how are our leaders, truly servant leaders? How many are willing to forgo personal privilege because the organization they lead would be better served by their sacrifice?
Which then makes me ask: how many leaders have been as effective and successful as Peyton Manning?
Respectfully…
AR
Could we vote for him?
PERFECT. 🙂