In our fast-paced, self-absorbed world we have lost our ability and willingness to stop and smell the roses. Sunday, the Colts head to Denver to take on the Broncos for a trip to the NFL's final four. You can't ignore that it's Peyton Manning vs. Andrew Luck, although both of them totally steer away from that talk. But as we settle in to our favorite chair with our favorite beverage and our favorite snack to watch two of our favorite people in sports meet for a place in the AFC Championship game, don't miss out on a chance to take a snap-shot of the moment. It could be the last time we see it. We have to be real, folks. Peyton Manning is no longer “playing the back nine” of his career – he's beginning to make the walk up to the 18th green. Whether it’s this year or next, I don't have any insight into that. But my eyes still work. His fast ball looks more like a change-up and with every passing game, it seems, he just looks ... older! We have taken Manning for granted for some time now. He'll always be here, right? He's unbeatable. He's unstoppable. He's ... Peyton Manning! But Father Time is undefeated, and he comes for everyone, even future Hall of Famers. And he's raising his hand to put it on the shoulder of No. 18. The Colts made the choice to let Manning go elsewhere for this very moment, the moment when Manning's train makes its last stop and Luck's goes flying on down the tracks. They were crushed at the mere thought of it: “How on earth can you let Manning go for what might be someday?” THIS is why. Do I think the Colts are going to win Sunday? I doubt it. They just are not ready for the big-time yet and their season has proven that to be true. Outside of home wins against Baltimore and Cincinnati, they don't have a win you could call a signature win. And frankly, they have had epic “fails” on the big stage almost every time out this season. But Sunday might be about more than that. We all have to come to grips that Sunday night might be the last time that we see Manning put on a helmet. Sunday might be that moment when Manning jogs to the middle of the field and greets Luck and whispers into his ear hole “have a long and happy career kid, and take good care of those great people in Indiana.” And if it is, remember it for as long as you live because we may never love another player the way we've loved Manning.
