Me, the Colts and Peyton ….
I figured this is the most appropriate time to write this blog, as the Colts prep to play the Saints for their second title (hopefully) in four years.
For me the Colts have been the staple of my football love since 1985. Why the Colts? Not sure. I really enjoyed watching players like Curtis Dickey, Jack Trudeau, Jim Harbaugh, Bill Brooks, Randy McMillan and so on. Then my favorite all-time back gets traded to them … Eric Dickerson was a Colt now and my love for the Colts grew. This was back in 1987 and my loyalties were even super strong back then. Years later my favorite all-time college back gets drafter by my colts! Marshall Faulk NOW was a COLT. This was my team of destiny … I even liked Jeff George. Years were difficult. In 1992 we drafted Steve Emtman and Quentin Coryatt and as usual Emtman’s career was over due to injuries. Same went to Trev Alberts who was an amazing player. Coryatt I loved watching for years. But it was the same cycle … coaches went and came … Rick Venturi, Ted Marchibroda, Ron Meyes, Lindy Infante … But then they started coming on and in 1995 Jim Harbaugh’s Hail Mary dropped by Aaron Bailey killed me. We; as me and the Colts were a dropped pass away from the Super Bowl, as Pittsburgh Steelers celebrated, we weeped. I actually remember where I was when that pass was dropped. Then it snow balled again as Jim Harbaugh broke his hand on Jim Kelly’s face a year later
From that point on I was adamant that if the Colts win the Super Bowl I will get their logo tattooed on me (I have no tattoss). Then the franchise drafted Peyton Manning. Many cheered but I jeered! I follow college football like a religion and all I saw for years was Tennessee get spanked in big games as Peyton did his best to choke away or not lead the team. Having lost every game to their big rival Florida Gators to me was things to come in the pros. Especially when Tee Martin led the Volunteers to a win over the Gators and a National Title the following year. I knew my disdain for Archie’s kid was going to grow.
So for years it was the same story. Interceptions, playoff loses. Patriots kicking our asses. Even Trent Dilfer … TRENT DILFER got a ring! Mark Rypien! Yet this “Student of the game” couldn’t get it done. Not even close! Study more sucka!
Then we started getting close … Second Round, Conference Titles! Still nada. Fo years I got Colts gifts such as Marvin Harrison jersey, a signed Peyton Manning jersey, my brother one year gets me the actual 1995 Draft Day Helmet Colts helmet phone. Then he does it again, he gets me a birthday gift that perfectly describes my feelings. It’s a Peyton Manning jersey but on the back the name plate reads “CHOKE”
Of course few years later Colts go to the big dance and I decide to watch and spend it with someone who eventually destroyed that experience for me. Imagine sitting out of town at someone’s house who has just treated you like dirt. My Colts beat the Bears but it was anti-climactic for me. I never got that tattoo …
So for the last few years Colts have been close. As with Manning I believe that Tony Dungy was the similar type of leader. Too passive, too nice! As exampled with his success … Jon Gruden led Dungy’s Buccaneers to the Super Bowl title year after Dungy left. My opinion Dungy inherited a great Colts team from Jim Mora who I loved. And for years they couldn’t get it done then Dungy and Manning duo did it. Am I impressed? Not yet. You throw enough quarters at the bottles at the Carnival, at some point you will win a stuffed toy. I am still cynical about this. And have my Choke jersey on today.
Maybe it’s reverse psychology for me? But if the Colts win tonight I will be getting that tattoo and will be burning that jersey … ALL on VIDEO!
GO COLTS!!!
