Where's the respect?????

I’ve never been much of a Peyton Manning fan.  Though I’m born and raised in the Washington, D.C area my allegiance has always been to my father’s hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.  For years I’ve watched Manning strut onto the field in that blue and white jersey and have his way with the teams in our division like its child’s play.  So naturally when the rumor of his release or possible trade began, I became very excited.  The wicked witch was dying, finally he’s gone!  The franchise that I despised so greatly would be set back significantly, and my life was better.

After missing the entire 2011 season with over 4 neck surgeries and the Colts ending the season with the league’s worst record, they are entitled to the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft.  The number one prospect in this year’s 2012 NFL draft is Stanford QB, Andrew Luck.  Luck is seen as a can’t miss quarterback prospect and is considered the highest rated QB since….Peyton Manning.  The 35 year old Manning had just signed a contract extension for $90 million over 5 years right before the 2011 NFL season. 

All of these factors combined have made an unfortunate situation for Manning in Indianapolis, which led to Manning’s release from the Colts March 7^th, 2012, and I celebrated.  Then, when I got home after work, I sat down and watched footage of the press conference saw the emotion on his face and heard it in his voice and something happened.  My excitement quickly turned into sorrow. 

This sorrow wasn’t for Manning in particular but more so for a trend that I have begun to notice in the NFL in regards to its franchise players and legends.  I understand that players cannot play forever; eventually your time comes when you have to move on and leave the game.  My issue is with franchise players, that in the twilight of their careers are leaving or being forced to leave the one team they have built their legacy and hall of fame careers with.  No longer do we see greats and hall of famers like Darrel Green, or Dan Marino, play with one team in their entire hall of fame careers.    Now we have long time Packer and holder of any Green Bay passing records, Brett Favre finishing his last 2 years of his career with division rival Minnesota.   Fred Taylor, Jaguars all-time leading rusher and Florida native, by far the biggest face of the franchises existence, finished his career in New England after 10 years in Jacksonville.  The list goes on, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Donovan McNabb, I could list them forever.

What is going on?  Where is the dedication?  Where is the respect?  And from both parties.  It’s understood that the NFL is a business but it’s also a game of integrity.  We don’t want to see NFL legends floundering around on the field the last few years of their careers, as they try to learn a brand new system and adjust to their new environments.  Peyton Manning should have never had to leave Indianapolis like this, Manning and the Colts staff should have been able to sit down and structure a deal in which Manning contract would become more moveable and less of a risk for the Colts.  Therefore when Luck arrives to Indy, he could develop under Manning’s tutelage.  Let’s face it, it’s not ideal for a team to start a rookie quarterback.  This way Luck could have developed under Manning the way Rodgers did under Favre and take over when Manning’s career was over, and if Manning wasn’t healthy enough to play Luck could take over and Manning could just leave the game forever a Colt.  Thoughts?