INDIANAPOLIS – On the 19-year anniversary of being taken No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft, Peyton Manning was back in the home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Manning's presence inside of Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday night was part of a three-day stay in the town he called home for 14 years.
Marian University presented Manning with The Clayton Family Circle of Honor award at a dinner held on the field level of Lucas Oil.
The dinner was highlighted by Manning speaking for nearly an hour.
Per usual, Manning kept the mood light hearted, while also offering plenty of insight into leadership, a major theme of the mission at Marian.
Here are a few excerpts from Manning's chat:
- Manning shared his memories from 19 years ago, when he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Colts. Marian draft prospect Krishawn Hogan (a Warren Central High School product) was in attendance on Tuesday and Manning wished the wide receiver good luck in next week's draft.
- Manning said the one thing he doesn't miss about playing football is being hit. He did thank the fans for "warning him" about blindside hits via listening to the crowd noise rise when pressure came from Manning's left side.
- The main thing Manning does miss is the comradery, the plane rides and the relationships with teammates.
- Normal dad duties have been a major part of Manning's post-football life. From dropping his kids off at school, to joining a health club (where Manning joked he was the "November member of the month"), those activities occupy Manning's time when he's not traveling.
- Manning shared his thoughts on a trying first season in Indianapolis, where the Colts went 3-13. Manning lost more games in that 1998 season than he lost in high school and college combined.
- Manning said there was a vibe from those early Colts' teams that they wanted to become the first priority for fans around Indianapolis. He said it was fun to see the transformation of the city from a basketball town to getting behind football more and more.
- When asked about future commercials, Manning said: "I've retired from football, not retired from being on your television screen 24/7."
Will the next time Manning is at Lucas Oil Stadium be when his statue is unveiled?
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