Peyton Manning's Local Legacy
As training camps start getting underway for the NFL’s new
season it is hard to imagine Peyton Manning not being on the field. Manning
announced his retirement earlier this year after leading the Denver Broncos to
a Super Bowl championship but in Indiana, #18 will always be a Colt. Most
anyone following the sport knows that Peyton was the first round overall draft
pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 where he played until 2012. As their
quarterback, Manning led the team to greatness with his work ethic, endless
preparation and most importantly, generosity to the city of Indianapolis. His philanthropy
is highly recognized by the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital on Indy’s
Northside. His legacy of giving back though extended far beyond Indianapolis and
started long before he was a five-time MVP and breaking most NFL passing records.
In October of 1999 a very young Peyton Manning came to
Logansport and spoke at the Berry Bowl. Over 3,000 people took advantage of the
opportunity and purchased tickets to hear the young quarterback speak of his
college career and future with the Colts. Manning spoke that night about the
importance of education and his own decision to stay in college and finish his
degree before entering the NFL draft. Manning did more though than just talk about
the importance of a college degree: he donated his entire speaking fee to help start
the Back Home Again in Indiana Scholarship for Cass County’s non-traditional
and returning adult students.
While Manning’s gift 17 years ago might seem small in light
of his later philanthropy, it was a sign of his true spirit and values present
long before his ascent to NFL stardom. He might be surprised to know that his
one, small, unselfish act has helped provide over $37,000 in scholarship
support to 48 adults since 2004. Others have made gifts to grow the fund since
Peyton’s start-up and on August 2nd we will be announcing the newest
recipients of the Back Home Again Award at our Scholarship Reception and Send-Off
Party.
Manning who retired on March 7, 2016 ended his career with
the words, "I've fought a good fight. I've finished my football race and
after 18 years, it's time. God bless all of you and God bless football."
Peyton Manning was a blessing to the game of football, to
his teammates and to his fans but it is his uncommon generosity and heart for
others that has always set him apart. His legacy of philanthropy is deep and
has touched lives here in Cass County in ways he will never know. Thank you Peyton
Manning.
As training camps start getting underway for the NFL’s new
season it is hard to imagine Peyton Manning not being on the field. Manning
announced his retirement earlier this year after leading the Denver Broncos to
a Super Bowl championship but in Indiana, #18 will always be a Colt. Most
anyone following the sport knows that Peyton was the first round overall draft
pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 where he played until 2012. As their
quarterback, Manning led the team to greatness with his work ethic, endless
preparation and most importantly, generosity to the city of Indianapolis. His philanthropy
is highly recognized by the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital on Indy’s
Northside. His legacy of giving back though extended far beyond Indianapolis and
started long before he was a five-time MVP and breaking most NFL passing records.
In October of 1999 a very young Peyton Manning came to
Logansport and spoke at the Berry Bowl. Over 3,000 people took advantage of the
opportunity and purchased tickets to hear the young quarterback speak of his
college career and future with the Colts. Manning spoke that night about the
importance of education and his own decision to stay in college and finish his
degree before entering the NFL draft. Manning did more though than just talk about
the importance of a college degree: he donated his entire speaking fee to help start
the Back Home Again in Indiana Scholarship for Cass County’s non-traditional
and returning adult students.
While Manning’s gift 17 years ago might seem small in light
of his later philanthropy, it was a sign of his true spirit and values present
long before his ascent to NFL stardom. He might be surprised to know that his
one, small, unselfish act has helped provide over $37,000 in scholarship
support to 48 adults since 2004. Others have made gifts to grow the fund since
Peyton’s start-up and on August 2nd we will be announcing the newest
recipients of the Back Home Again Award at our Scholarship Reception and Send-Off
Party.
Manning who retired on March 7, 2016 ended his career with
the words, "I've fought a good fight. I've finished my football race and
after 18 years, it's time. God bless all of you and God bless football."
Peyton Manning was a blessing to the game of football, to
his teammates and to his fans but it is his uncommon generosity and heart for
others that has always set him apart. His legacy of philanthropy is deep and
has touched lives here in Cass County in ways he will never know. Thank you Peyton
Manning.