Polarizing Peyton: The Love And Hate Of The Greatest Ever

As a Tennessee Vol and Tennessee Titan fan, I have never loved and hated the same person at once in such extremes.  Peyton is a Knoxville legend. He was the hero in orange.  He never won a national championship at the University of Tennessee, but that didn't matter.  He was the best quarterback to ever touch the field at Neyland. I loved Peyton when he wore orange. As much as I loved him then, though, I hated that much in a Colts uniform.  He's one of the rare athletes that are loved and hated based on the team he plays for.  If your with him, you love him, if you're not, you hate him.  He's not a polarizing figure off the field, his presence and fame have come in between the lines, and there is a certain respect that comes with that.

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Unlike other athletes, Peyton is never questioned about his mechanics, work ethic, and "kick your butt" attitude. Everyone knows he has it all (other than the fact that he couldn't outrun my mother). That's what makes him interesting.  There are still people that hate Peyton.  People say he's too boring. He's hard to root for because he does the same thing over and over.  That's right folks, Peyton is ridiculed for being the best NFL quarterback ever and doing it every week.  He's hated because he's a legend who hasn't even retired yet. 

Unlike other athletes, there are no questions about his production or skill level.  People question LeBron James' heart, Tim Tebow's arm, and Kobe Bryant's team work. Those are all reasonable questions and great reasons to hate those players. No one hates Peyton because of reasons on the field, they hate him because he is good. Really good.  The best NFL player we've ever seen and will see for a very long time.  He has no weakness (other than his speed).
 

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As I was writing this story my younger brother saw a commercial with Manning in, and he said "you don't know nothing, Peyton".  People just hate him.  There's no reason for it.  They just hate him.  I'm sorry Peyton, you are the best.  There's no question about it.  I know you didn't get there by having thin skin.  Just remember this Sunday, while your playing on the biggest stage in the world, that you want this.  You've done almost everything you can do as professional quarterback.  Just go win one more, baby.  Do it for Knoxville, do it for Denver, but most of all, do it for yourself.  You're the best, cement it.

Trey Frisbey
Boy Meets Sports
2/2/2014
Twitter: @boymeetsports