92 replies to this topic

[Peyton and Eli fan]

Blog from Phil Wilson about getting a call from Manning today.


http://blogs.indysta...-to-say-thanks/

[oldunclemark]

Blog from Phil Wilson about getting a call from Manning today.


http://blogs.indysta...-to-say-thanks/

P & E.....

Sometimes these links dont open for folks with old, bad computers...like mine at home
I thank you for posting this and I want to make sure everybody outside of the Indy area (like me) who does not get the Star saw this column. It speaks for itself.

Thanks again.






Peyton Manning calls to say thanks




38 minutes ago | Written by Phillip B. Wilson | 1 Comments
I was on my cell talking to a media colleague long distance when another call came in this afternoon. The number was blocked. I had so many calls out on several stories, I wasn’t sure who it could be.
“Hi Phil, it’s Peyton Manning,” he said.
Not to get overly sentimental, but it always bothered me in the past when I didn’t get to say good-bye to Colts that I enjoyed. Marcus Pollard comes to mind. Still have never been able to tell him thank you. I’ve been fortunate enough to catch up to others down the road, Edgerrin James, Ken Dilger, Kelvin Hayden, Tarik Glenn, Mike Peterson, Marlin Jackson, Gary Brackett, David Thornton, Jake Scott, the list goes on. Dallas Clark was considerate enough to send out an email to many of us after his recent release.
Manning was a huge surprise. We had a decent relationship, I can only recall him chewing me out one time, but he knew I didn’t go to him that often. Colleagues Mike Chappell, Phil Richards and Bob Kravitz always spoke to him so much, so I only asked Manning stuff when I needed for a story and concentrated on the rest of the locker room.
In my time on the beat, which began before Manning arrived in 1998 on a fill-in basis, no player has ever called to say farewell. And in all the time I’ve known Manning, he’s only called me twice. The other time, he was in Hawaii at the Pro Bowl. I was writing something about his PeyBack Foundation. I remember teasing him about giving me his cell in exchange for the interview, since the caller ID read “blocked” that day, too.
Anyway, Manning said thanks for my work over the years. Classy move. He said everything had happened so fast, but he wanted to call the local writers and express his appreciation for what they had done while he was in Indy.
And here I thought he was going to give me a hard time about something I had written. What? Me paranoid?
I’ve always said Manning is the most clever athlete I’ve ever dealt with when it came to how to handle the media. And while his critics will suggest this was just a PR move, I’ll confess I initially thought I wouldn’t write anything about the call. I didn’t want anybody to think it was about me.
But when I told him that it was a privilege to watch him play and write about him all these years, I added that I respect his so many fans here in Indianapolis and always would, that I hear from them every day it seems, so many who will never accept that he’s gone.
As he expressed as his farewell presser last month, he said, “Tell the fans I appreciated them, too.”
I reasoned that if I was going to pass along that message to his fans, well, you have to write about the call.
I told Manning I was late to change my position on keeping him, that I had held out hope for the longest time, but realized in the end that the money and the risk was too great. He didn’t hold it against me. He said he always had the same hope that he could stay.
I wished him well.
As he acknowledged, the Colts are moving in a new direction and it’s part of the business.
As someone who strives to be professional, I am human and will choose to be a bit sentimental about this. I’ll always remember the phone call.
As I said to him, it was a first-class way to say farewell.

[vinatierifan4]

the colts beat writers to tell them thanks, im not sure if this should go in a different section though http://www.nfl.com/n...ound-the-league

[oldunclemark]

Dont worry about it, Josh..

I think everybody would want to see that...

Makes me a little sad..

[vinatierifan4]

Dont worry about it, Josh..

I think everybody would want to see that...

Makes me a little sad..

me too. hopefully we can turn the page fast.

[FireJimCaldwell]

I've said it before and will likely say it again.

Once in a lifetime player.

[Gramz]

Archie and Olivia are to be commended for the awesome job they did raising their sons.
Whole family is a class act.

[Fx Stryker]

I've said it before and will likely say it again.

Once in a lifetime player.

You can say that again.

[doogansquest]

me too. hopefully we can turn the page fast.

Turning the page won't matter. He's the best part of the book, so we'll always go back to it. That's the first and last thing we'll remember about the story, because it will only get anti-climactic from here.

[oldunclemark]

I give him a lot of credit..He's got a lot of things to worry about and it even occurs to him to call some some media jamoke

(sorry, Phil) that he didnt deal with extensively just because he worked form the paper in the town where he USED to work..?

I wouldnt even have thought about doing that...

Not for a minute

[The Peytonator]

Would you expect anything less from the MANning?


P. Money = Class

[Coltswarriors]

Class act. Pretty cool.

[vinatierifan4]

Turning the page won't matter. He's the best part of the book, so we'll always go back to it. That's the first and last thing we'll remember about the story, because it will only get anti-climactic from here.

i never said we'd forget about that part of the book, but you have to turn the page to go to the next chapter

[buccolts]

Turning the page won't matter. He's the best part of the book, so we'll always go back to it. That's the first and last thing we'll remember about the story, because it will only get anti-climactic from here.

Is Johnny U laughing or crying in the back ground?

[Nadine]

Archie and Olivia are to be commended for the awesome job they did raising their sons.
Whole family is a class act.

I was just thinking that. his parents did a good job

[Nobody]

Already posted.

[Fx Stryker]

Already posted.

[sb41champs]

Peyton didn't change just because he was forced to change uniforms !! He is now and will forever be a class act !!

[Peyton and Eli fan]

I posted it in NFL General, but I don't mind having it over here. Has to do with Indy afterall.

He's definitely wooing the Denver press too. Saw one story about a radio host being impressed that Peyton learned his name and used it and another from a newspaper who went up to Peyton on his first day to ask a question. She said, "I'm so and so from the Denver Post" and he replied, "Hi, I'm Peyton". She was impressed that he actually introduced himself, lol.

[Andy]

The one and only Peyton! There's a reason why everyone loves him and respect, it's becuase of things like this.

[hawkeyes]

Turning the page won't matter. He's the best part of the book, so we'll always go back to it. That's the first and last thing we'll remember about the story, because it will only get anti-climactic from here.

At this point in time, yes manning is the best part of the book, however the story hasn't been completely written yet - the best might still be yet to come.

[coltsfanmilyman]

Turning the page won't matter. He's the best part of the book, so we'll always go back to it. That's the first and last thing we'll remember about the story, because it will only get anti-climactic from here.

I can see your point and until someone surpasses his accomplishments he will be the GOAT in most indy fans eyes. Your last comment is where I say please hold your tongue. There is no debate in my mind that Peyton could have won more titles with some better defenses but it is what it is and you can't change the past but what I don't get is that you don't know the future so why resign yourself to the notion that it all down hill from here. It doesn't get much worse considering that last year we were 2-14 and we didn't see Peyton at all. So why not look to what the new regime of our Indy Colts will be. Personally I love the feeling of the new regime. Build the Monster. . . gotta say... I'm Lovin it!!! We have what seems to be the next best thing sense Manning with the option of taking Luck in about two weeks.

I guess what I am trying to say is Lets have fond memories of the past Manning Era... Not debby downer on the new Era.

Build the Monster!!!!!!!

[hawkeyes]

As I said to him, it was a first-class way to say farewell.

... Phillip B. Wilson

Either that or he finally has a moment of free time to rub his departure into Indy's face and used you as an outlet for that. Seriously, who calls a guy who they had only dealt with 1 time in 13 years? I'd guess if he must have tens of thousands of people to call if that was the case ...

[FireJimCaldwell]

Of course Florio spins it with his Anti-Manning button. It's amazing how warped some people are.

[The Fish]

Well that's nice.. I guess.

There's only one maybe two reasons (the second being that the press were his " guys", doubt it) to do that, because it's never been done, and I think it's a move to stay out in front of Irsay on this decision, because whatever happens in the long run with Luck, Peyton is going to be in a "see I told ya so" kinda situation during the upcoming season, if he's cooking along. We know who will be in the press's good grace and who won't while the Colts work back up the ladder.

[MAC]

Sometimes these links dont open for folks with old, bad computers...like mine at home

I don't know nearly as much about computers as I did in the 90's (things change fast and I'm not putting any effort into keeping up) but I'll suggest that when a link doesn't work it's usually because of a problem with the link, not with your computer. And you can try typing the address into your browser too (hover the mouse over the link and the full address should become visible somewhere on your screen).

If you are talking about the fact that some sites load slowly (or freeze all-together) it's probably because it's trying to run a lot of videos and fancy graphics (or advertisements containing videos and fancy graphics), or otherwise trying to run multiple "programs" behind the scenes. If your pc can't handle a generic newspaper site like Indystar, than I can't imagine what it CAN run. You wouldn't be able to get to this forum in the first place.

A lot of sites can be challenging for pcs with minimal random access memory / no video cards / slow processors, but the bandwidth of your internet access provider may well be the biggest factor. I have a seven year old PC with a Pentium 4 processor and no video card (running Win XP), and don't have any problems accessing sites. I watched some of a live soccer game on ESPN3 yesterday, and the picture quality was probably better than my television (after a few minutes for it to get up to speed) with no lagging or waiting for it to spool. The fact that I upgraded to 2GB of RAM (at a negligible cost) and have Verizon FIOS (lowest level they offer, but still) helps enormously.

One "trick" that would help anyone. I use Firefox with an add-on called NoScript. It stops any misc applications (javascript, etc) from running in the background unless I specifically allow them. I do it primary for security, but it helps with speed as well because a lot of garbage gets stopped in it's tracks. If I'm just going somewhere to read an article, I don't need a lag because of an elaborate "intro" screen, or a video and four full motion advertisements starting simultaneously upon clicking. They all suck up resources and accomplish nothing - aside from increasing the risk of malware infecting your computer.

[Gramz]

Either that or he finally has a moment of free time to rub his departure into Indy's face and used you as an outlet for that. Seriously, who calls a guy who they had only dealt with 1 time in 13 years? I'd guess if he must have tens of thousands of people to call if that was the case ...

and perhaps you had some "sour grapes"..??? :-)

[Fx Stryker]

Well that's nice.. I guess.

There's only one maybe two reasons (the second being that the press were his " guys", doubt it) to do that, because it's never been done, and I think it's a move to stay out in front of Irsay on this decision, because whatever happens in the long run with Luck, Peyton is going to be in a "see I told ya so" kinda situation during the upcoming season, if he's cooking along. We know who will be in the press's good grace and who won't while the Colts work back up the ladder.

Yep. Clearly just politics.

[dgambill]

The guy just has a lot of class....and brought a lot of class to this organization. Having the focus on him through the years he protrayed us as well and represented us as well as anyone ever could. Now that he isn't here all we have is Irsay and his annoying tweets and it just leaves a bitter taste. Hopefully Luck will be able to pick up the mantle and carry it similarly as Peyton because if he doesn't...and Irsay is the face of the organization...that would be a disaster.

[Peyton and Eli fan]

Either that or he finally has a moment of free time to rub his departure into Indy's face and used you as an outlet for that. Seriously, who calls a guy who they had only dealt with 1 time in 13 years? I'd guess if he must have tens of thousands of people to call if that was the case ...

Phil tweeted that Peyton made calls to lots of Indy writers today. He didn't single Phil out.

[Jules]

Turning the page won't matter. He's the best part of the book, so we'll always go back to it. That's the first and last thing we'll remember about the story, because it will only get anti-climactic from here.

Not true.....

Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

[shecolt]

The guy just has a lot of class....and brought a lot of class to this organization. Having the focus on him through the years he protrayed us as well and represented us as well as anyone ever could. Now that he isn't here all we have is Irsay and his annoying tweets and it just leaves a bitter taste. Hopefully Luck will be able to pick up the mantle and carry it similarly as Peyton because if he doesn't...and Irsay is the face of the organization...that would be a disaster.

Have you read this status update from Susie Q:

Just wanted to post something my UPS fellow told me today. His Mother passed last week and it was in her Obituary that she was an avid Colts Fan and at the funeral home was a blue vase with a flower arrangement from Jim Irsay. What a great thing for the Colts Organization to do. Thought this should be shared.

This didn't make national headlines, but it sure doesn't leave a bitter taste in my mouth nor does it make me view Jim as a disaster as the face of the Colt's organization.

[shecolt]

Either that or he finally has a moment of free time to rub his departure into Indy's face and used you as an outlet for that. Seriously, who calls a guy who they had only dealt with 1 time in 13 years? I'd guess if he must have tens of thousands of people to call if that was the case ...

I can understand why some may view this in that light. However, Peyton has always been the type to go the extra mile or give that personal touch such as his handwritten letters to retiring players that he admired.

And my memory is kinda fuzzy here, but he was once being interviewed while at the Pro Bowl and took the time to say thank you to two commentators who were working their last Pro Bowl. Maybe it was Paul Maguire and Brad Nessler . . . can't remember for sure
.
But, I remember how choked up they were that Peyton took the time to acknowledge them.

[The Fish]

Yep. Clearly just politics.

Yep. Clearly just politics.

To clarify, who wouldn't want to thumb their nose at a former boss? I'd guess he feels some level ofanimosity towards Irsay, because he keeps mentiong that he didn't want to leave. I cold be wrong maybe Peyton really does like and respect the Indy media that much...

[21isSuperman]

I've said it before and will likely say it again.

Once in a lifetime player.

That's about all I can say too. Such an amazing player/person on so many levels, on and off the field.

[Coltsman1788]

I've said it before and will likely say it again.

Once in a lifetime player.

Agreed. Peyton is pure class all the way. You know although I never actually met him personally, I think I genuinely love that guy...how can you not? Yes even though I could be somewhat critical of him at times. This made me kind of sad today. I realize it's time to move on and I have. I support the Colts and am looking forward to the future with Andrew Luck. But what we had in Peyton was something really special and he is definitely missed. Big Goober that he is.

[Fx Stryker]

To clarify, who wouldn't want to thumb their nose at a former boss? I'd guess he feels some level ofanimosity towards Irsay, because he keeps mentiong that he didn't want to leave. I cold be wrong maybe Peyton really does like and respect the Indy media that much...

Well I mean he really didn't want to leave. I think it's more of a respect thing for the media. He said goodbye to everyone at the complex. Now he is giving the thanks to the media on how they possibly made him better. Those critical articles he could have taken, and run with them to improve. I doubt sticking it to Irsay was the reason behind it.

[KaylaD]

Peyton is just unlike any other person/player I have ever seen. He is so thoughtful to do something like that. Yet, it does not surprise me one bit coming from him. What a great person! Denver is lucky to have him.

[Fx Stryker]

Of course Florio spins it with his Anti-Manning button. It's amazing how warped some people are.

What did Florio say?

[FireJimCaldwell]

What did Florio say?

Earlier this year, Colts owner Jim Irsay called quarterback Peyton Manning a “politician.”
Irsay likely had no idea how right he was.

More than a month after Irsay ushered Peyton out of town in the face of a $28 million payment, Peyton has called at least one Indianapolis-area writer to thank him for his coverage of Manning over the last 14 years.

Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star explained via Twitter that Peyton “said he hoped he could stay with Colts, but understands the biz.” In a longer item regarding the call that appears on the paper’s website, Wilson writes that Peyton "always" hoped he could stay.
Really? Peyton wanted to stay with a 2-14 team that was going to use the first overall pick on his successor?

Peyton, in our view, wanted out. But he wanted to be sure that it didn’t appear that he wanted out. And now, with the Colts two weeks away from drafting his successor — and with more and more evidence coming to light that Peyton will be more than good enough to play in 2012 — Peyton wants to remind the fans, in not-so-subtle fashion, that Irsay ran Manning out of town, and that Manning would have preferred to stay.

Peyton also told Wilson to tell the fans “how much [Manning] appreciated them.” Hey, Peyton, why not do that yourself, by buying a full-page ad in Wilson’s paper?
The publishers of the Indianapolis Star surely would have appreciated that much more than a phone call.

Typical Florio.