Peyton Manning
by Tami Matheny
Imagine this: you are one of the greatest players to have ever played your position and your team starts off as one of the preseason picks to win the Super Bowl. You start the season 7-0, then your wheels came off. You lose 2 games in a row, one being to your former team that had a newer, shinier model of you so you became replaceable. Then you are out of the lineup for 48 days due to injury. To add salt to the wounds, you, as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, become a backup (how many of those on the list of greats could handle a backup role midseason?). Then after all of this, you start, in what most say, is your last game ever and have one of the worst performances of your life. But you know what? You lead and manage your team just enough to have a storybook ending. Yes, you end the night as QB of the Super Bowl Champs.
What a story of overcoming adversity time after time; staying committed and returning despite all the setbacks. How many of us could allow ourselves to keep going while maintaining confidence in ourselves? This season had to be one of the worst statistically as well as, most challenging of Manning’s life but he stayed the course. As a result, he achieved what very few people ever will- being a 2 time Super Bowl Champ.
Peyton Manning did not become a victim of his circumstances. Rather, he remained focused on his processes of preparation. He carried a team-first mentality while injured and while being the back-up. Manning handled the adversity maturely without letting emotions get the best of him. He did not blame the coach for his benching. Manning just said the right things AND did the right things while serving as the back-up. He patiently waited for his number to be called again. And when it was time, Manning played like a champion and led his team to Super Bowl 50. And while his performance wasn’t the greatest in the ‘big game’, he still acted like the champion he is. Manning remained calm. He continued to study the game. And, ultimately, did enough to lead the Broncos to another Super Bowl Championship.
Manning, to me, is the perfect example of rising above circumstances, facing the adversity head on and waiting your turn. Knowing that at any moment, any day things can change around if you keep believing.