This week’s issue of Sports Illustrated, which is available today, features Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning on its cover.
The story, which is headlined “Manning Up” on the cover and “What, You Doubted Him?” inside the magazine, pinpoints a 20-yard, second-quarter pass from Manning to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas that signaled Manning’s official return — according to the author, Alan Shipnuck.
“His pass tore through the thin Mile High Stadium air, and even before it reached its apex the sellout crowd loosed a throaty roar,” Shipnuck wrote.
“The completion was equal parts trust and timing, and its precise execution impressed one discerning onlooker. ‘There’s such a small window on that throw,’ said Elway, the Broncos’ executive vice president who led Manning’s recruitment. ‘It was a perfect ball. If there was any doubt whether Peyton is back, I think he answered it with that throw.’”
The story continues to document Manning’s long path back to the football field after missing the entire 2011 season with a neck injury.
“Throughout the summer word quickly spread among the Broncos of the long hours Manning was putting in at the team’s headquarters, rehabbing his neck and drilling down on the playbook,” Shipnuck wrote. “The aura he created was such that at the outset of training camp second-year tight end Julius Thomas was calling Manning ‘Sir’ in the huddle, until the QB told him to knock it off.”
This week’s magazine is the 12th in which Manning has been on the cover and the 22nd that has featured a Broncos player.
To read the complete story, look for this week’s edition of Sports Illustrated, which hits newsstands today.
-Stuart Zaas
Tags: Peyton Manning, Sports Illustrated
What would make this a story that stands the test of time? A Super Bowl win!
I couldn’t agree more 3rd! We’ve got a great shot at it this year…….and if not this year, within the next 2-3 for sure! We’re gonna be in the hunt for the next few years!
Manning Up – nice title! It’s only one game but I know the NFL is thrilled to have Peyton Manning back!
Glad he chose to play in the Mile High City – stilll can’t believe it at times. Great QB & field general.
Thank you, John E.
Mark my words, Manning is coming out with a vengeance. I smell a Bronco Dynasty. Peyton will not leave the NFL untill he has beat Marino and Farve in stats and then some. With his style of play, his work ethic, and his very solid O line, i think Peyton could easily fill all five years of his contract.
I agree with Royal. He was and still Is a Field General. It was amazing just seeing how he read everything and adjusted accordingly, I am really proud of our offense and our receivers for being so flexible. Going from timmy status back to a Throwing offense. Great Fun to watch
Go Broncos!!!!!
I’ll snag me a copy for my collection. GO ORANGE N BLUE!!!
I never doubted him…so glad he choose the Broncos!!! The cover is awesome. I agree it’s only one game but he’s here to stay and he wants to win!!
I don’t know about a dynasty but I agree with SuperManning that Peyton is back with a vengeance. All those nay sayers are sure closed mouth now. ESPN and NFL Network are singing praises about Manning instead of always talking about how his arm strength has gone due to his neck surgery. He sure shut them up!!!! You know Peyton will not quit until he gets a super bowl victory and in five years he has a solid chance of getting one if not two. Go Peyton!!! Go Broncos!!!!!