[ad_1]
Throughout his legendary career, Peyton Manning’s play on the football field has shocked fans around the world. But in 1997, Manning made a decision that surprised people across the country: he chose to stay at the University of Tennessee for his senior season.
The choice to stay in school led him not to play for the New York Jets – who had the No. 1 pick in 1997 – and go to the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. in 1998.
However, he did not make his decision without giving it careful thought. In fact, Manning sought advice from Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan left North Carolina early, while Peyton Manning stayed in Tennessee
Michael Jordan had a legendary academic career at the University of North Carolina.
He won a national championship with the Tar Heels in 1981-82 before becoming one of the nation’s top players in 1982-83 and 1983-84. Jordan averaged 20.0 and 19.6 points in those seasons, respectively, and over 5.2 rebounds in both years, which helped him become a two-time Consensus All-American and the Player of the Year 1983-84 AP.
After his junior season, however, Jordan opted to skip his senior year and make the 1984 NBA Draft. He then went to the Chicago Bulls with the No.3 overall pick.
Peyton Manning, on the other hand, also had an excellent academic career at the University of Tennessee. After throwing for 2,954 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions in his sophomore year, he recorded 3,287 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a junior. He also led the Volunteers to two consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins and consecutive Citrus Bowl wins.
Manning likely would have gone to the Jets with the No.1 pick in 1997 had he been in the NFL Draft after his junior year. But he ultimately did the opposite of Jordan and stayed for his senior season. The QB star then threw for 3,819 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the past year, which helped Tennessee reach the Orange Bowl.
Manning then went to the Colts with the first overall pick in 1998.
Michael Jordan gave Peyton Manning five tips
When Peyton Manning decided between staying in Tennessee and going to the NFL, he contacted several high performance athletes.
According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, Manning called quarterbacks who both stayed and left school early, including Roger Staubach, Phil Simms, Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe and Bernie Kosar. However, he also contacted a few basketball stars, including, yes, MJ, as well as Tim Duncan, who stayed for his senior season at Wake Forest the year before Manning chose to stay in Tennessee.
“I had the chance to visit with [Duncan] at a basketball game and I just got some great advice from him, ”Manning told WBIR in 2018.
As for Jordan, however, the NBA GOAT reportedly gave him five tips, according to Keefer.
“Take the money and run.”
Michael jordan
Manning obviously didn’t take Jordan’s advice. But it probably would have worked anyway as he went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Peyton then gave advice to Andrew Luck
Towards the end of a legendary professional career in which he won five NFL MVPs and two Super Bowls, Manning found himself on the other side of the coin: he was the one giving advice.
Manning’s dad, Archie Manning, was a teammate with Andrew Luck’s dad, Oliver Luck. So Peyton – who had no idea Andrew would eventually replace him as the Colts’ starting quarterback – helped the young star when he decided between going to the NFL in 2011 and staying for his senior season at Stanford.
“Before he made his decision, he had a few long conversations with Peyton,” Oliver said in 2011, according to ProFootballTalk. “Archie and I played together a long time ago with the old Houston Oilers, so we know the family, and Peyton has acted as a kind of mentor for Andrew.”
Determining the right choice between staying in school and leaving early depends on who you ask. Many professional athletes have managed to do both. But someone like Luck potentially made the wrong choice as he ultimately retired prematurely with injury after seeing the team he went to in the draft (the Colts) failing to protect him throughout. his career.
Given that Peyton and MJ have had all the success they’ve had, it’s hard to argue with either of their decisions. Although they took two different paths, they became two of the greatest athletes of all time.
Statistics courtesy of Sports Reference
RELATED: Peyton Manning Has Already Used 3 Words To Humiliate A Chatty Opponent In Big Colts Win
[ad_2]
Source link