Jim Irsay expressed his grief over the death of Jim Brown in a strange way by declaring he was the greatest player in NFL history.
The sentiment was fine, but the Indianapolis Colts owner offered his best NFL players, he listed the late Jim Brown first. But one player he left off his “Top 5” prompted double-takes: Peyton Manning.
Instead, Irsay included John Elway, a quarterback the Colts drafted in 1983. Elway famously refused to play for them and he got traded to the Denver Broncos, where he won two Super Bowls. Irsay’s Top 5: Brown, Tom Brady, Elway, and pass-rushing menaces Deacon Jones and Reggie White.
Irsay responded by tweeting that Manning was definitely in his Top 10, but that Elway’s successes with weaker surrounding talent for much of his career gives him an advantage.
During his 18-year NFL career, Manning achieved numerous accolades and records throughout his career, including five NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Manning led his teams to two Super Bowl victories, winning Super Bowl XLI with the Colts and Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos.
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Manning retired from professional football in March 2016, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Since his retirement, Manning has been calling several games alongside his brother, Eli, on the ManningCast that has become beloved by fans as they talk about the game while inviting guests on with them.
