Peyton Manning released after 14 years

Peyton Manning. 

Just that name evokes GREATNESS.

Yesterday we saw a 14-year marriage with the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning come to an end. The Colts owner Jim Irsay was emotional in explaining why he and his organization had to part ways with the 11 time pro bowler. 

Was it the $28 million roster bonus he would have been due today? Not knowing if he was 100% healthy? That the Colts have the #1 overall pick in this years draft and the likelihood that pick would be Stanford's Andrew Luck?

The answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE.

The truth of the matter is this was inevitable. No player, not even the great Peyton Manning is bigger than the sport they play, nor the league they play in. We've see this before from the likes of Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas. Brett Favre and Dan Marino. In other sports, Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky. 

No one is bigger than the game. NO ONE.

Believe me as a life long Miami Dolphins fan I thought it was blasphemy when 13 years ago my team wanted to run Dan Marino out of town. I didn't understand why? How could the Dolphins just let go of one of the greatest of all time and not give him the proper send off? I was a fan(which I'll remind you is short for FANATIC) and couldn't grasp the concept. 

I do now. 

The Colts had to do this. It's what's best for the organization and it is what's best for Peyton. 

The Colts have a chance now to draft another franchise quarterback in Luck. Peyton has a chance to go play for a contender of his liking. Both parties have a chance to move on from this and come out looking good.

Life will go on without the Horseshoe.