Peyton Manning: golden boy, playoff choker ... NFL Legend

Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset, retiring after the second Super Bowl victory of his career. Following 18 unbelievable seasons, it’s arguably one of the most rewarding finishes for any profession. With a golden arm, a meticulous work ethic, and immense intelligence - Manning cemented himself as an NFL legend. That can’t be debated.
Although Manning had a storybook ending solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, the ending helped overshadow portions of a career where that legacy wasn’t crystal clear. Moments like Peyton being described as lacking the killer instinct to be a great champion. Or being regarded as the guy with ridiculous stats and flashy moves at the line of scrimmage who would never win a ring. It’s the reality of the legacy that Peyton had built throughout his career and one that could have drastically shaped how he’s remembered in history had things gone slightly different.
Written and produced by: Joe Ali
Directed and edited by: Charlotte Atkinson
Art direction by: Michael Das
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[@lhfirex]

Peyton's final season and playoffs are like a sports movie. The guy whose body is about to force him to quit the game he loves, going for one last chance, and he finishes with a championship. I mean, Von Miller and that defense won it for him, but you can't take that ring away.

[@muhammadfarhan581]

If osweiler at qb denver ain't winning. Peyton did his job

[@warlordofbritannia]

Always found it funny how it was only when Peyton sucked that the rest of the team could carry *him* and win a ring

[@Zalis116]

Manning's dramatic re-entry into the week 17 game against the Chargers was definitely cinema-worthy, and his salvaging that game after numerous turnovers was critical to the Broncos' Super Bowl run. Without that win, the Chiefs win the AFC West, the Patriots get the #1 seed, and the Broncos go to Houston on Wild Card Weekend as the #5 seed. Though it should be noted that Osweiler did well enough to go 4-2 in games he started and finished, and another loss or two would've tanked the Broncos' playoff seeding or gotten them eliminated entirely.

[@rashadellison9593]

It take it as Poetic Justice… he carried bad Ds to playoff success, so when he failed the Defense finally carried him

[@THE_BEAR_JEW]

@@muhammadfarhan581 True, but it's not like the Broncos were gonna stick with Osweiler. They signed Peyton because they were in "win now" mode and they knew Osweiler was not starter material. They would've spent the money on someone else to upgrade from Osweiler and that would've been enough. They didn't need much from Peyton once that defense got rolling. They made Big Ben, Brady, and Cam look very uncomfortable out there en route to that chip.

[@SmoothCriminal12]

Fun Fact: Peyton heading to Tennessee led to the backup pursuing a baseball career. That backup was none other than Todd Helton, who would go on to have a great baseball (I would argue a HOF) career.

[@SavingSoulsMinistries]

Helton deserves to be in the hall. He gets knocked for playing at coors field his whole career, and for playing better at home. But the dude was a all around stud

[@SmoothCriminal12]

@@SavingSoulsMinistries Coors cant teach you how to be an elite defensive first base (which he was).

[@mrmacross]

@@SavingSoulsMinistries I think Helton will get in eventually. More and more voters rely on advanced metrics, which do try to adjust for extreme hitting environments. Larry Walker had to wait a long time, but he got in.

[@Concatenate]

Agreed about Helton and the Hall, he deserves the call, fantastic numbers and at least played in a world series.

[@jadenfoster7729]

Agreed Todd Helton should be a sure fire hof

[@Novedrake]

Say what you want about Peyton in the playoffs, but you cannot deny the fact that the man played quarterback.

[@TheLsund]

Well said, he had 2 eyes, one nose, 2 ears and a couple arms. Thats Peyton for ya

[@orry.420]

Guy wore a helmet better then anyone

[@PhoenixAscending]

What position would anyone else think he played, there captain obvious

[@drewski103]

Seriously though, no matter what anyone says, at the end of the day when you look at the record books, like it or not, that man played QB

[@willardmatsaudza3101]

@@PhoenixAscending lol went right over your head

[@stevenbailey8167]

Let me put this in perspective. The first year Peyton was on the Broncos he had less interceptions than neck surgeries. He went from somebody who might not throw again to throwing the most touchdowns in a season ever

[@davidfromcolorado5295]

Sadly he threw the one in 2 OT that helped cost the broncos the divisional game against Baltimore

[@Flow_Easy]

Back when Madden was good, this man used to give me nightmares. Changing the play 5 times at the line of scrimmage. One of the main reasons I went undefeated after awhile. Big Legend

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

So madden 12

[@kalstonii]

Nfl 2k5, he was the greatest pocket qb, and the only reason i lost with the colts is their sketchy defense.

[@kellyhone2612]

@@jujuonthatqueef5043 not madden 12 he was out for the year with a neck injury

[@jujuonthatqueef5043]

@@kellyhone2612 i just meant that was the last good madden

[@Solo413]

Yep, Madden on the PS2 was the best iteration of the game and Peyton was a beast. You could get into shifting your DLine, LB's, Secondary, and even audibling plays on Defense. It was incredible how Peyton would switch the plays up like real life and burn you sometimes. I always love paying against him in Madden.

[@lastsinnersa8002]

Take a look at the one season he was out injured and how hard the Colts plummeted without him. He carried them hard and he got Denver relevant again before the defense elevated to get him that second title in his twilight. For some of his shortcomings. football would mean nothing in Indy without him. Now, it means a heck of a lot to them. And he came back from an injury that could have permanently ruined his ability to throw. And yes people, they Sucked for Luck, ya think? Polian was a good GM and Grigson sent Luck to hell with his incompetence. Still doesn't distract from the fact that Manning was essential to the Colts being relevant, even in a team game.

[@zlpatriot11]

Yeah, I remember that. Peyton was the team. Without him that season, that were like 2-14.

[@gabrielkessay6629]

Retired a bronco still.. hard feelings both ways I believe.

[@dustinssimpson]

Pretty much any team that loses its starter is going to be terrible especially one that refused to pick up a decent back up because they are trying to get the #1 pick.

[@KatalistProductionsKozzySasha]

This really is the only comment that needs to be on this video

[@Pointmeatthesky124]

As a lifelong Colts fan, I've never seen someone hold a team on their back like Peyton. Maybe Luck, actually, but no one else

[@OBLIVUS1]

Growing up in Indy, Peyton was this golden figure. I know all franchise QBs get invested in their cities, but I didn't even grow up in a sports household and we loved him. He always seemed so proud to be here and had that plainspoken earnest quality that Hoosiers see in themselves. Learning more about Cooper really puts perspective on his unceasing work with Riley's Children Hospital. When he was injured, we just said, "What an incredible coach he'll be. Hope he stays with us." Always rooting for him, Colt or Bronco or stay at home daughter-wrangler. Thanks for an amazing career.

[@munchkinmatt1670]

It was a pleasure to watch him play. The on the field at the line calls and audibles were amazing to watch.

[@CaleebTalib]

As a kid I rooted against him his entire career. But as soon as I watched that retirement speech I cried, especially as a Pats fan when he called us out and thanked us. Never in my life have I ever realized I was so wrong about someone in just a singular moment. Absolute class act and legend.

[@scarfaceaceo]

I’m a Chiefs fan, and he couldn’t gtfo my football watching life fast enough 😂

[@MethSloth]

And he didn't have to cheat to be good like brady

[@chandlersbryant4047]

@@MethSlothIt’s already been disproven that Brady didn’t cheat but Sure man keep grasping at Air

[@MethSloth]

@@chandlersbryant4047 lmao keep lying to yourself

[@chandlersbryant4047]

@@MethSloth lmao keep crying

[@oathbreaking]

I’m a pats fan, didn’t hesitate to watch this video, got me nostalgic, like I spent almost 15 years hating this dude, he made me pissed when he won his first, made me cry when he almost beat us in 2010, but when he retired I broke, that rivalry with Brady was unmatched, it was THE GAME, after that I started appreciating him, his greatness, hard to tell Brady story without this Goliath, impossible to tell nfl’s without him

[@poletooke4691]

As a fellow Pats fan, I agree.

[@chriswebster24]

As a Colts fan, I feel the same way about Brady. Used to hate him because he always won. Now I can’t help but love the guy. I feel the same way about Belichick, too, as much as I hate to admit it.

[@ezekwu]

chill he wasn't all that...

[@Exeggutor_Enjoyer]

@@poletooke4691 As a 3rd Pats fan, I agree.

[@MethSloth]

@@chriswebster24 nah I still hate the cheaters

[@donoeezy]

Colts' management and ownership cost us so many championships. The fact that Peyton even got us a championship is insane.

[@sethmontank8623]

How did Irsay cost the team championships?

[@dspsblyuth]

@@sethmontank8623 take a look at how cheap they were putting together a defense because Peyton’s offense could put up 40-50+ points a night . That doesn’t fly in the playoffs. Outside of a stud here and there they never had a complete defensive unit

[@patricksmith5282]

Peyton didn’t get you anything but hand of to Dominic Rhoades. The difference maker in 06 was Bob Sanders.

[@dutchpackdior2178]

big facts most of those defenses through the 2000s were pretty bad

[@sethmontank8623]

@@dspsblyuth Dwight Feeney signed a contract in ‘07 that made him the highest paid defensive player EVER! The defense didn’t suffer because Irsay was cheap, it was because all the resources went to said offense.

[@serisothikos]

Something about that first shot of the family - at 1:13 - makes me feel really bad for Cooper before the narrative even gets started. Glad that you touched on his influence on the story.

[@jamesw1313]

The whole family have said that Cooper was so far away the best athlete and most talented of all them repeatedly.

[@Thor-Orion]

At least Cooper's forehead isn't large enough to land a Boeing on.

[@avacadomangobanana2588]

Crazy that his career / legacy could have been 10x more impactful had 3 or 4 games gone his way

[@geordiejones5618]

Thats what separates a legend from a GOAT contender. He's a step up from Marino, Favre, Rogers and Brees but he needed another ring to be up where Montana and Brady sit.

[@Thor-Orion]

@@geordiejones5618 not in a sport like football where 11 dudes are on the field for each team on every play. Marino and Peyton are both at least as good as Brady and Montana. If you put them each on the other's team they would have won the same superbowls as the other.

[@kevinmassey1164]

@@Thor-Orion that seems like a ridiculous statement. 11 Super Bowl titles combined, 2 Super Bowl titles combined. Like it or not, when talking all time greats…it matters. To say that Marino and Manning are “at least as good” is just a head scratcher I can still picture Manning throwing an awful pick six against the Saints that sealed one SB loss…and an even worse INT against Baltimore that lead to another early exit. Montana on the other hand, jokes in the huddle about John Candy being in the crowd as he lead his team down the field to win one of his four titles. There was a noticeable difference between regular season Manning and playoff Manning

[@patricksmith5282]

@@kevinmassey1164 Montana didn’t have blood, he had ice water in his veins.

[@TheBlackProject13]

@@kevinmassey1164 manning was a (much) better qb than brady, he just didn’t have nearly as much help

[@MazeDaGr8]

As expected, this comment section is basically on gonna be a Civil War between Brady fans and Manning fans

[@marcox.4024]

“Peyton wasn’t the families chosen one because he had the BIGGEST FOREHEAD out of the bunch!” LMAO

[@Jsmooth1174]

Caught me off guard

[@randomnessatitsfineness190]

despite the playoffs loses, Peyton will always be one of my all time favorite QBs.

[@Thor-Orion]

Same for me with Marino. I met Dan and he's a total class act.

[@vulcanraven9701]

Hes good but damn was he a choker

[@davidfromcolorado5295]

​@@vulcanraven9701yup

[@rolandoviray5974]

Please do a Prism episode on Dirk. Very similar to this story, without that one title, he’d just be another Barkley. Keep up the great work 🙌🏽

[@Thor-Orion]

Jason Kidd got his title on that run too.

[@junghunt8645]

So he’d just be a hall of fame top 75 player in NBA history who played in the same era as the greatest player/teams ever?

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

Barkley is one of the games great. A title doesn't make you great. Dirk was great with or without a title. I hate that titles define players when it shouldn't.

[@lazym91]

Tim Duncan > Dirk

[@littlebuddyslittlebrotha9112]

@@AnthonyMcNeil ppl are retarded. No one would call Robert Horry a top anything, but he’s got more rings than Jordan.

[@FalseHope61]

As a colts fan through those years. It was so frustrating to see a team so talented, just get beat up in the playoffs. That 05 team is one of the best of all time, and got smacked by Pittsburgh and a missed kick. Also, people don’t realize, that Indy did NOTHING to help their offense schematically, especially their receivers. They NEVER moved their receivers around. Wayne and Harrison stayed in the same spot, every play, no matter what. Also, they weren’t very physically tough. So when they matched up against strong tough defenses, Indy’s receivers and line got beat up. Peyton manning made that offensive line look much better than it actually was. It was middle of the pack to bottom half in talent and skill. They were small. It wasn’t so much Peyton manning choking, as it was the team being exposed for what it was, and Polian and Dungy being too stubborn to get better players in there. Their answer to those losses were “we just have to play harder and better”. It took that team being desperate, playing desperate, and running into the bears in a super bowl, to have one title during the manning era. Best regular season teams of all time. But weak physically comparatively speaking.

[@warlordofbritannia]

They feasted in a perennially weak division as well, so they always got the title; Between a one-dimensional offense most years and mediocre defenses, the Colts were never all that good and would get exposed in the playoffs. The Pats and Steelers were always more well-rounded teams with far better defenses, almost perfectly made to beat the Colts

[@bwalker77]

That's why I don't like when people look at the number of Superbowls to determine who was better because no player can win one on its own. Put Adam Vinatieri on the Colts on Day 1 and put Mike Vanderjagt with Pats and only that small change would make huge difference in Brady and Manning's legacy.

[@PurpleMonkeyDishwasher88]

The offense carried them to the postseason, but the defense was never good enough in Indy to get them over the hump in the postseason (outside of 2 years). Big part of it was the Tampa-2 scheme that relied on a smaller d-line (to get up the field) and slow "zone" corners. They would repeatedly get run on by more physical teams, and outsmarted by better QB's in the postseason. Plus outside of Dwight Freeney, they never drafted any good defenders in the first round.

[@cbehr91twopointoh]

I always attributed alot of Manning's lack of postseason success with the Colts to the organization having defensive coaches and resting starters once they wrapped up the division, and usually had a first round bye. After having that time off the offense lost their momentum, so they come out flat and lose. In 2006 the Colts (while division winners) still were a wild card team and played their offensive starters their final regular season game, so the offense still had momentum going into the playoffs.

[@slasher5871]

They should have beat Pittsburgh I still don't get why nick harper didn't keep running to the outside instead of cutting back inside

[@Shawn_Babcock]

Clicked faster than the 2013 Broncos offense

[@Ze_Moose]

Nice 🤣🤣🤣

[@vulcanraven9701]

Except in the Super bowl

[@broderickcrawford8110]

​@@vulcanraven9701 yep 43-8

[@MethSloth]

@@broderickcrawford8110 3-1

[@seandawson5899]

A list of accomplishments as long as his forehead.

[@lilypage7272]

Going to a sports bar with my dad and watching him drink blue beer to Peyton's first and only Indianapolis championship is bittersweet memories because I was too young to drink (I was 20) thank you for this Secret Base.

[@josephpin9074]

Peyton made 4 super bowls, won 2, had a >.500 playoff record, and had a 3-2 versus Tom Brady in the playoffs. Based on those stats, you wouldn't be calling him a playoff choker... but old reputations stick to you.

[@dewanewelch1744]

Exactly. What people.dont get is Peyton actually owned Brady after his first 4 years.

[@josephpin9074]

@@dewanewelch1744 entirely. The script totally flipped and nobody seems to remember it.

[@PhoenixAscending]

The first time he beat Brady, NE's best receiver was Calwdwell. That's why they went and got Moss and Walker in the off-season, and then you saw what happened. The last time was an absolute brawl, but NE's.kicker screwed them.by missing an extra point, and Manning was.washed at that point, but was on an.amazing team. One of the best games I have watched. Both teams.were.loaded. It was the real super bowl

[@PhoenixAscending]

@@dewanewelch1744 you're giving too much credit to one player. The last time they played, Manning was washed, and could.barely throw the ball 20 yards, but was on an amazing team. Brady played better than Manning, but it is a team.sport

[@dewanewelch1744]

@@PhoenixAscending so speak on Manning having a good team.but ignoring Brady ALWAYS had a stacked team lol.

[@flame_khaos5259]

Peyton Manning is my favorite qb of all time, he's probably the best in just raw talent

[@NeverlandSystemAngel]

It is that he DID keep coming back that makes him such a solid legend, imho.

[@showtimesportsmedia6906]

This is really one of the best series you guys have done. I want more episodes like for guys like Kobe or Charles Barkley just as examples

[@JMartNotKMart]

Ravens fan here, I’ll never forget that battle in Denver in the 2012-13 season. Probably my favorite game of all time. It was amazing watching Peyton play chess against Ed and Ray.

[@charlesconner9044]

As a fellow Ravens fan, that was the most nerve wracking game I've ever watched. One of the greatest games I've ever seen. After Peyton threw that INT to Corey Graham in OT, I knew we'd win

[@DeneF]

Thank you. Your videos are so well presented that they teach this know nothing about your sports Englishman a great deal. Brilliant.

[@theKeshaWarrior]

I always think it's appropriate that it seems like Peyton was always the guy to have in the regular season, but Eli was the one to have in the postseason. The difference in how they performed in their two super bowl runs is as stark as their regular season records. Plus as iconic as Peyton has been for all of us who watched over the 2000s, Eli has the Tyree pass, the Manningham pass, and the OBJ pass. I mean, the Manningham pass is the best throw in SB history and possibly one of the best throws from a QB in history with that perfect placement in one of the highest stress moments possible.

[@CleverAccountName303]

Correction: the Tyree catch, the Manningham catch, the OBJ catch. The Manningham pass was perfect though.

[@P0RKINS2]

Disagree. Eli never won a playoff game where his defense allowed over 20 points. Eli made clutch plays in SB 42 & SB 46, but he also averaged 18.0 PPG in both games. Only reason that is enough for a winning performance is b/c of the Giants defense dominating Tom Brady. It’s a team game. 48 out of 56 SB winning teams have had at least a Top 8 defense. Peyton Manning had a Top 8 defense 4x in 17 (2005, 2007, 2012, 2015) seasons. 52 out of 56 SB winning teams had a defense that was at least Top 10. Peyton Manning had a defense that was above League Average just 6x (2005, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015) in 17 seasons. Only 4 teams have won SBs w/o a Top 10 defense, but it’s really more like 3 teams. 2007 Giants finished 12th in points allowed but gave up 80 points in the Giants 0-2 start. They allowed the 3rd fewest in the NFL over their final 18 games. Manning was basically faced w/ winning SBs w/ team conditions that only 3 teams (2006 Colts, 2009 Saints, 2011 Giants) have ever won SBs w/; primarily being a below average defense. Freeney & Mathis put up great individual stats but aside from when Bob Sanders was healthy; the team on defense was always soft against the run & really struggled at getting off the field on 3rd down. Manning’s defenses were much better w/ the Broncos. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that him playing on a more complimentary team resulted in him going to SBs more often. (2 in 13 seasons with the Colts, 2 in 4 seasons with the Broncos) Peyton really only blew SB chances in 2005 & 2012. Both teams were the clear front-runners that year & should’ve won SB titles those years. However, 2007 even if he beats the Chargers, they’d have lost to an unbeaten New England team in Foxboro. Even if he beats Indianapolis in 2014, they’d have lost to the Patriots the next week; especially if the first game between the two teams was any indication. In SB 44, the pick 6 to Tracy Porter is a huge Farvian type moment for his career; but even if they tie it there instead of him throwing the pick 6, Drew Brees would’ve had a little over 2 minutes to play with & was 16/17 in the 2nd Half at that point. Is there any doubt that he drives them for a win if they get the ball last? Finally, Seattle was just better in SB 48. It was very akin to Elway’s loss in SB 24. Not a good showing especially given how insanely good he was all year prior to that game. But he’s also not the first all-time great QB to get dominated in a SB by an all-time great defense; which Seattle undoubtedly was in 2013. I think there certainly is a “wanting more” quality to Manning’s career; but when you put his Indianapolis career in perspective especially w/ experience post-Manning; I think he overachieved getting 150 wins there. Maybe another Top 5 All-Time QB does that w/ those Colts teams; but not just any QB.

[@krisdaschwab912]

He could have gone down as the second coming of Dan Marino. Instead, he transcended.

[@Thor-Orion]

Dan Marino is universally regarded as the greatest to never win the big one and it's acknowledged that his playoff losses were beyond his control and that he brought teams that had no business even making the playoffs well beyond what the rest of the team was capable of.

[@patricksmith5282]

The two years that Manning won, his defense was much better than anything Marino ever had.

[@DoobieKeebler]

Why, when I started watching this, did my mind flash to: "Peyton's career really reminds me of Elway. A HoF QB who was going to be known for his playoff losses, but eventually won 2 SBs - retiring / going out after winning the 2nd one.

[@MikeBNumba6]

Crazy that Peyton won his second one with Elway as a gm

[@ETibbs11]

Dangit, guys, you are killing it with these Prism videos. Love Peyton!

[@saucedupmelo]

Love these videos!

[@robkingcomposer]

To be fair to the reporter at 13:22, they are only talking about his *postseason* reputation (i.e. that it is poor). The reporter says, literally in the sentence after 'never existed', that the 'regular season' reputation was never in doubt. Manning was, for sure, one of the all-time great QBs and any reporter who would suggest otherwise wouldn't be making much sense!

[@mikellwehrer]

Yeah, it's a bad video.

[@StevenEveral]

People sometimes forget this about Peyton Manning because of how his career ended: He's only 2-2 in the Super Bowl. In fact, just two years before his SB50 victory, he suffered one of the most humiliating losses in Super Bowl history to the Seattle Seahawks in SB XLVIII. Just the fact he came back in just two years after that humiliation and won the Super Bowl shows how good Peyton really was.

[@oathbreaking]

But he got benched that season, elwqy reshaped that team, I give more credit to John than Peyton

[@geordiejones5618]

I mean lets be real the 2015 Broncos defense won that title. He struggled all year but did just enough.

[@smitadas2336]

peyton literally got carried to the 2015 sb he was worse than a corpse he said it himself. that's fine bec it's just karma for him carrying those God awful colts defenses in there early 00s

[@poletooke4691]

Still better than Aaron Rodgers who always dies in the playoffs. Better to have a bad record in the Superbowl than a bad record in the playoffs.

[@dewanewelch1744]

Why did people always take credit away from Peyton but don't say the same about Brady? Both SB wins against the Rams Brady played terrible outside of 1 drive. Yet.peope don't bring that up.

[@tallicafan8]

Another great vid, thanks again

[@dariuscasaus57]

Been near a decade since I was happy as a Bronco fan, and it was thanks to this man.

[@rudebodega]

I’m loving the frequent releases for this series, keep em coming!

[@Finch460]

Peyton Manning really is the modern equivalent of Johnny Unitas.

[@miguelsantiago398]

Uhhh no. Johnny was a 3 time NFL Champion before winning Super Bowl V.

[@patricksmith5282]

You’ve got to be kidding. Unitas was a legend in the playoffs as well as regular season. He redefined the qb position.

[@lynnerose7891]

@@patricksmith5282 I’m sorry but you didn’t watch SBIII, I guess. Johnny was no Peyton.

[@kylerhyne1349]

This is a great video, love it.

[@VadeSatana]

Great commentary as always!

[@garrettclardy943]

One of the best to ever do it. Would’ve have more rings but that guy Brady kept getting in the way every time. Definitely one of my favorite QBS growing up as kid.

[@dewanewelch1744]

Not.really. actually Manning was more in Brady way.

[@southsider3542]

Peyton had a winning record against Brady in the playoffs

[@johnmcafee6140]

Manning was 3 literally and 2 verses Brady in the postseason.

[@mauricedavis1740]

that’s a narrative that just isn’t true..

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

The Manning Brothers cost Brady 4 Super Bowls.

[@xtlm]

Fun fact, he has a winning record against Brady in the Playoffs. So he didn't choke all the time in the Playoffs.

[@marcscott6395]

So does Eli too lol

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

Only r3tards use the phrase "fun fact"

[@goob3826]

I feel very blessed as a spectator of the sport to have witnessed this era of the NFL

[@robertanderson866]

Peyton is one of my all time favorite qbs..college and pro...this video enhances that for me

[@asherbdavis]

Duke football fan here, David Cutcliffe isn’t a “quarterback whisperer,” he got lucky. Cut was Duke football’s head coach until 2021.

[@bradwurst8141]

As a young man growing up in Northwest Indiana, there was something of a geographical prerogative to be a Bears fan. All of the television in the area was based out of Chicago, so to root for the less-storied team in Indianapolis would place you in the minority. I was a Bears fan then, and a Bears fan now - but MAN I will never forget that 2006 Super Bowl. A matchup of Chicago's defense & special teams versus the Colts' offense loaded with true generational talents...that was the day I learned that I really cared about sports.

[@dafttassia1960]

This series might be your best yet

[@TommySuX]

This was definitely one of the all time best videos on this channel.

[@antoiner3820]

I don't believe that playoff choker crap for a bit. Even though it was a lot of letdowns. That goes to show how Great the expectations was for him.

[@desert_hunter83]

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION x 2 🏆🏆 The Sheriff is the MAN! 😎 Let’s not blame him for ALL the shortcomings, he went up against Tom Brady, Belichick and the Patriots during their dynasty days. Also Dungy and the defense let him down a few different times during their time together. ✌️🏉🙌

[@dreamsifallin]

Thanks!

[@j.mieses8139]

I loved watching Peyton Play..One of the greatest!

[@101kingsfan]

One of the GOATs

[@julianwalston5079]

Love the videos! I would love to see a rewinder episode for James Conrad’s “Holy Shot” at the 2021 Disc Golf World Championships. I don’t know if y’all would do a video on disc golf, but if you do, this seems like a deserving moment.

[@nightingem]

This guy was my favorite player growing up. I was a Niners fan because that's the family biz, but I also ended up rooting for the Colts because he just grabbed me. When I was like, 9, I asked for his autobiography as a birthday gift. I still don't know why he fascinated me so much as a kid but he'll always hold a place in my heart.

[@hablicious6117]

Growing up in Indy, Peyton really was the face of the city. Everyone loved him even people who didn’t follow football. News of his injury and then being cut devastated everyone and I remember even my teacher in school being sad about breaking the news of him leaving the team

[@JKing-bh5hk]

Would love to see one of these on Greg Norman....similar to Manning an all time great in his sport (golf) that came up short more often than not

[@lynnerose7891]

Golf isn’t a sport. It’s a game.

[@ThegoddessAqua817]

I didn’t realize the injuries he suffered in 2010 were that bad. I honestly have a lot more respect for him now

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

2010*

[@ThegoddessAqua817]

@@jarlwhiterun7478 true, mb

[@Pwop_]

I grew up in New England, and I never felt like we questioned peytons legacy or was our punching bag, Indy was the most consistent challenger in the AFC during the Brady era, even after Peyton left we still had to get through Luck

[@joestebic4604]

Best episode yet

[@jajabinks4733]

Peyton underachieved during the playoffs

[@hhtptai]

Peyton Manning is in a class all his own.

[@chrisbeach423]

a class right below Brady.

[@smhgaming3259]

@@chrisbeach423 your a few crayons short of a full box, brady had some of the best teams around him peyton is an all around better qb, better play calling better accuracy further throwing and he didnt need to build numerous super teams to win and cheated to go 16-0 and still lost in the sb then lost to peytons little brother in another sb now sit down

[@codyhooks7410]

I disagree, there’s very few insufferably annoying people like Peyton who seem to be universally loved. Tebow is there also.

[@WeAreTwoFace]

@@smhgaming3259 man, how bitter are you

[@warlordofbritannia]

@@codyhooks7410 Least bitter Steelers fan:

[@americankulak2294]

Football's Greg Maddux, I've always said. It was so fun to watch a humble, normal man, go out and week after week dismantle teams. He added more value to his teams on a per-game basis than anyone in history and it's not close. Denver fans saw a unique side of him: for 12 years he was death incarnate playing against you...and after that it was just obvious you would win when he was on your team.

[@MrJbee73]

Funny you said Maddux I likened him to Glavine. Outside nip nip nip nip strikeout. Frustrating if you were an opponent.

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

@@MrJbee73 those Atlanta Braves aces were incredible along with John Smoltz

[@JamesHardensburner]

Love this series

[@kanyeeast1340]

To me, he was the funnest to watch. Was like watching Troy Polamalu on Defense.

[@imanuelbrooks8402]

The Aaron Rodgers of the 2000’s

[@smhgaming3259]

Aaron rogers was the aaron rogers of the naughts

[@johnchedsey1306]

Part of me still wishes Peyton had only gotten the one superbowl win, only because it's hilarious to imagine Eli showing up at Thanksgiving dinners with his pair of rings and smirking.

[@MrJbee73]

I will say Peyton's football IQ was other worldly. He was a surgeon. To me he was like the Tom Glavine of football. Nip nip nip strikeout. Pass here pass here pass there touchdown. Fun to watch.

[@coryg303]

I'd love to see something on Derrick Rose's career. He really was the most explosive player in the league for a couple seasons, then the knee injury. Don't know if it would be a Rewinder or an episode of Prism🤷 Big fan of the channel thanks everyone!

[@SupermanHopkins]

Removing the last Broncos season for a second ... Do you realize that Manning could have been one good performance by Rex Grossman away from having *zero* titles? Yikes. Of course, Grossman accounted for four (!!) turnovers in the Super Bowl, so Indy winning that one isn't shocking.

[@330wiz7]

Well you can't remove it and sexy Rexy did throw 4 picks... And Peyton's got 2 chips

[@titankiller5287]

If you remove the first, and then this one guy did 4 different things for the second… then he’d have zero…. Yea buddy, and if Drew Bledsoe wasn’t sent to a hospital the patriots have zero titles- if if if if if if if if

[@TeamRocketWes]

Definitely one of the best quarterback I've ever saw

[@CTM901]

Couldn't wait for this one

[@just_gut]

If the Colts had beat the Saints in the SB, 100% Manning retires as a result of those neck surgeries and then stays on as a coach or advisor to help Arians coach Luck. EDIT: or maybe we don't get rid of Caldwell, who as it turns out is a very good coach, and maybe we do better with those weird Grigson years.

[@4QIcehole]

"Aw man, the Bears never get covered here and when they do it's always for a negative reason. I'll watch this of course but reliving that Super Bowl is gonna hurt" *Video doesn't even mention his opponent in his first SB*

[@christophermoore8524]

I'm in Indy and I watched all Manning's games. The passing attack was so spectacular, people wildly overestimated how good the rest of those Colts teams were (very mediocre), especially when up against quality opponents (worse). It's hard to win playoff games when you spot the other teams seven points on the opening drive, can't run the ball between the tackles, can't pass protect, and the other team knows you'll have to throw the ball to make a comeback. On top of that, dude was fragile and Indy couldn't figure out how to protect the one player that was winning them games. Manning got a children's hospital and a stadium built here in Indy. He deserved a better career than what the Colts were able to give him.

[@tromboneman4517]

It’s crazy to think about, but you’re right: he did deserve better in Indy. Even though he enjoyed success that 95% or more of NFL players wish they could have.

[@demiller74]

Now that Russell Wilson is a Bronco, I’ve watched that hike go by Peyton’s ear probably 20 times now. Hurt to watch then, still does.

[@hooverredman5167]

I mean Peyton manning did call his own plays which means most of game responsibility was on his shoulders during playoffs

[@kvltizt]

Remember when Curtis Painter had to step in for Peyton? Poor guy lmao

[@uhhhmaeve]

The first year I pid attention to the NFL was 2006 - my dad was a Colts fan, I knew the name Peyton Manning before I knew that he was a football player. That Super Bowl win was probably the most fun the NFL has ever been for me… well, the time I saw the Colts rip apart the Panthers in 2007 probably comes close. I have a lot of affection for the guy still, even with some of the less savory developments about him I’ve learned over time. Dude was just that good.

[@Sageleader3]

I love this videos because it better contextulies a player career

[@YogSoth]

Manning is a top 10 all time QB without any doubt. But he doesn’t belong in any conversation about the GOAT. He just didn’t show up in big games throughout his entire career. The Super Bowl win in his final year doesn’t really mean much for his legacy imo. The Broncos won despite his poor play due to their insane defense. He was carried to that title. Even in college he could never win on the biggest stage, and that trend continued for his entire career. Again, he is an all time great - but along with guys like Marino and Young, he’ll always be a tier below the Brady-Montana-Elway level.

[@4392amtrak]

Well Elway didn't win anything until he had a running game

[@roytofilovski9530]

What about Bradshaw? Aikman?

[@MikeBNumba6]

Montana and Brady both had way better talent on their teams then Manning had for most of his career. Brady won superbowls and playoff games doing absolutely nothing or playing poorly. That's always been the knock on Brady. He didn't have to carry like other elite qbs had to. I mean he won a superbowl scoring one td. You think Manning or Rogers have that luxury? Montana? Look at the coaching staff and defense. Elway? Elway was on the verge of being another Marino but only won when they got a running game and better defense. Point is, to win superbowls you need a team. Elite qbs can maybe get you there on their own, but they won't win it for you alone

[@YogSoth]

@@MikeBNumba6 I’m all for having a debate about Manning’s place in history, but I think you need to do a bit of research my man. Manning won his 2nd Super Bowl while going 13-23 for 141 yards, no TD’s and 1 pick. So Manning did have that luxury. Manning also had Harrison and Wayne, 2 HOF receivers. Brady had Moss for 2 years only, and no other elite receivers in NE. Brady led the game winning drive to beat the Rams for his 1st SB win. And far from doing nothing and playing poorly, Brady has played incredibly games in the Super Bowl. Throwing for over 400 and over 500 in a game. 21 TD’s to 6 Int’s over 10 SB’s. Manning has 3 TD’s and 5 Int’s in 4 SB’s. Almost everything you typed is just flat out, objectively wrong. Manning almost always had superior weapons to work with, both in the passing and running games. His teams almost always won at least 13 games during the season, but Peyton almost never showed up in the biggest moments.

[@MikeBNumba6]

@@YogSoth he had the weapons but didn't have the defense. That's the argument I'm making. Brady beat a Rams team scoring one td. You think Manning's Colts team have that luxury? Brady beat a I believe a packers team throwing two ints two seasons ago in the playoffs and the Bucs still pulled out the win. Manning throws two ints and his teams are probably getting blown out You brought the broncos winning because of their defense and that's true. And that's exactly why they won. Had the broncos defense played like the Colts teams they lose that superbowl to Carolina. Pats defense plays better against the giants on that final drive and Brady gets another ring while playing mediocre that game.

[@KidBakz]

Probably the only thing that separates him from Tom Brady

[@NJDDSNS]

Really liking this series! Joe is up there with Seth and Clara on my list.

[@MetalGod999]

Hello again, Secret Base! I know you originally said you were gonna have episodes of Prism only until the end of September, but I think you need to make Prism a permanent series. Great job, my friends!

[@liberalismisahatecrime4385]

Judging players by rings in a team sport has and always will be illogical and asinine. Peyton and Marino are top 1-2 quarterbacks of all time in any order, and that's just how things are.

[@mistermr2147]

What about Brady?

[@liberalismisahatecrime4385]

@@mistermr2147 I like Brady, he's top 5 all time. But if I was starting an NFL franchise and could select any QB, I'd take Manning or Marino over him, probably Steve Young and Mahomes too.

[@mistermr2147]

@@liberalismisahatecrime4385 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@broderickcrawford8110]

​@@liberalismisahatecrime4385 Marino’s one flaw was probably he had too much confidence in his ability as a passer. It made him neglect the run more than he should’ve at times. But given how little the Dolphins running game typically produced, I can’t say I blame him for trying to do it all himself.

[@broderickcrawford8110]

​@@liberalismisahatecrime4385 I still have Marino over a lot of these guys all time but it's hard to even put him in my top 5 all time honestly

[@JR-dd4ec]

Manning is the smartest quarterback I've ever seen, much better than Brady imo

[@cappy2282]

I'm Bills fan but "the sheriff" will always be my favorite QB. So fun to watch

[@gsmackz]

Peyton my favorite player all time dam i miss him🙏🏽💯

[@jamaalsjourney]

Peyton's career was good, but could've been better,. Way better

[@Ultra-BLV]

Pretty impressive that 2 Super Bowls, a Super Bowl MVP, and 5 league MVPS along with a bazillion other achievements is considered somewhat underachieving now.

[@patricksmith5282]

@@Ultra-BLV I guess you didn’t see his Super Bowl “wins”. He did very little in both. His MVP is similar to Namath’s basically got it because he’s the qb. He did a fantastic job giving the ball to Dominic Rhoades, the same as Namath did with Matt Snell. The Colts turned their season in 06 around with the return of Bob Sanders on defense. His ability to throw an interception in the most critical situation was uncanny. Rather than take a sack or throw the ball away he always tried to force a completion which turned into said interception.

[@Ultra-BLV]

@@patricksmith5282 Who cares? He was the MVP of the AFC Championship game against the Patriots which was the real SB that year.

[@yourreplywontberead1977]

"Playoff Choker" but 2 time Superbowl Champion... and didn't need to cheat to do it.

[@rowdyrx6109]

Yawn

[@Personal_Chizo]

Wondering if your concept of cheating includes performance-enhancing drugs, lol.

[@hubertsumlin9697]

Indiana native here. Peyton is so universally loved to this day, it's crazy. I don't think I've ever met a Hoosier that didn't love Peyton. Reggie Miller is the only comparison I would make but even he's not a household name to the extent that Manning is. Young, old, rich, poor, as all fans of #18

[@alexandermarquardt597]

I like the story about the HOF presentation made for him: allegandly a guy stood up, said "Peyton Manning",...... and sat down.

[@marquezbetts9105]

I get this is a new series but can we maybe throw a beef history or a collapse in the mix?

[@willjamesjr]

I don't care what anyone says. Brady is the most accomplished and most successful QB ever, but Peyton Manning is Da GOAT!!!

[@toxenzz]

I’ll never forget seeing him in 2015. So tall.

[@330wiz7]

Yea man same. I saw him at the HOF around that same time and he is HUGE. I couldn't believe it.

[@FrankW1029]

I don't watch a lot of football, but I did try and catch Peyton Manning's games back then. NFL is IMO the toughest pro sport to win a championship let along two. QBs would have longer careers, but taking the punishment they take in football every week and season is just amazing.

[@thatguyfromak5190]

Peyton Manning has one man to thank for his legacy. Von Miller.

[@MJKeenan30]

Two men. Rex Grossman won him the other one.

[@travisg736]

Top 3 QB Ever. Not even debatable.

[@gb6710]

Debatable.

[@michelletackett9489]

@@gb6710 No, it isn't.

[@Yung-Cook]

I'd put him #2

[@jajabinks4733]

Regular season

[@MrUndeadZed]

Top 1 forehead

[@P0RKINS2]

Colts Franchise in IND from 1984 to 1998: 86 wins (including playoffs) 3 playoff appearances Colts from 1998 to 2010: 150 wins 11 playoff appearances 2 AFC Titles Won Super Bowl 41 Colts in 2011: 2-14 I don’t think people appreciate how shitty the Colts were before Manning got there & when he was out for the 2011 season.

[@PurpleMonkeyDishwasher88]

Peyton's regular season stats are undeniable, and given how rules are today, he would be throwing up 40td and 5k seasons every year now. Though in the 00's one of the reasons for Peyton/Indy's lack of success in the postseason (it is a team game) is the way the roster was constructed. Indy spent their high draft picks on offense to cater to Peyton and his mastery of that side of the ball. These picks for the most part turned out to be good picks, and helped the team coast to the postseason. However, as the saying goes - defense wins championships, and that is one of the big reasons for many of the letdowns in the playoffs for Indy. During Peyton's tenure there, Dwight Freeney was really the only plus defender they drafted in the first round. You also have to take into consideration the Tampa-2 scheme that Dungy ran during that time, that while can hold the fort in the regular season, was completely picked apart in the playoffs. Btw it is quite telling that the years that Peyton won the SB, it was the defense that carried him in those postseasons. A stark contrast to his brother that had signature plays and drives in his postseason championships, plus coming up against Tom Brady on the biggest stage. It may diminish Peyton's accomplishments as a whole, but there is no denying that he made the right play when he needed to, to get his team the win. (there's a reason he still leads the record books in comebacks/ game winning drives)