I know this post has absolutely nothing to do with the Minnesota Vikings, but I felt it necessary to take a moment to reflect on the career of Peyton Manning in Indianapolis.

One really lousy season can really taint the reputation of a franchise (just ask the '10 Vikes), but it is difficult to overstate the effect that Manning had on the Colts in the late 1990s through just a year or so ago. I liken it to what the New Orleans Saints are to offensive-powered football right now. The Colts were just as good in their (and subsequently Manning's) heyday, if not perhaps even a bit better. My memories of Manning the Colt will always center on:

His almost psychic-like connection to Marvin Harrison...

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Then, just when Marvin started to slip from his elite skills a tad, all of a sudden Reggie Wayne comes along and a new Dynamic Duo is formed...

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Also, Manning even seemed to have a unique way of handing the ball off. While he did this with Marshall Faulk for a few years, it was Edgerrin James who carried most of the load during Manning's tenure...

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I know that from the tone of this post (and the plethora of news coverage in general) about Manning's release from Indy, one would think he's done as a player. I truly hope this is not the case, as I always enjoy watching him play and would like to see him give it a few more good seasons. The trouble is, he is very unlikely to recapture that magic he once had with the Colts. That was a special team he guided for so many years, and "starting over" at his age (and now with questionable health) will be difficult.

I guess I will now be able to understand this a little bit better...

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I just don't know the team or colors quite yet.