Dear Peyton Manning,
I am not going to lie
I thought you were nuts
To continue to play the game.
I knew you were great
The master of football-
And the world all knew you by name.
I was afraid to be a fan-
And relax your first season-
You graced the Bronco’s team.
But it didn’t take long-
To appreciate the chance-
Or what your history would mean.
I was blessed to watch Elway-
With my family each Sunday-
In all the good times and in bad.
It was a new blessing to watch You
And the inspiration you brought
To a team and state needing it bad.
Thank you for the lessons-
In humility and hard work-
Beyond the passion of the game.
Thank you for standing tall-
And owning your value-
Even when people tried to ruin your name.
Thank you for the pizza-
Funny commercials…
And everything you do.
Thank you for your strength-
Lessons in faith-
And the ability to just be You.
2015 was a crazy season-
As the Defense dominated-
And won many games for You.
You acknowledged their power-
And your role-
With more humility shinning through.
I love the Denver Broncos,
Watching football-
And the family time it brings.
I love number 7
And now 18
And everything they mean.
Thank you for the respect-
You offered to us-
Even when it wasn’t returned.
You will always be The Example-
The world can seek-
For more life to love and learn.
So Happy Retirement to You-
# 18, Mr. Manning-
From two teams who know you well.
All Colts grow up to be Broncos-
A special story-
Your history allows us to tell.
To the sunset #18!
May you always bleed some Orange and Blue!
