Wake Forest University hosted Peyton Manning as their opening speaker for season four of their Face to Face Speaker Forum. The event was moderated by legendary sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson. Here’s a glimpse at what they talked about.
Omaha in Winston-Salem
Just a mile from Wake Forest’s campus, at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Peyton Manning and Tracy Wolfson took the stage to talk about life and sports.
Wake Forest Students, local high school football teams, and die-hard Peyton Manning fans packed the venue last night. It is not every day that the ‘Sheriff’ comes to town, so it’s no wonder why there was a buzz in the air.
As far as conversation goes, Tracy jumped right into football and it carried the tone of the conversation. However, being the two fantastic professionals that they are, Manning and Wolfson were able to extract core life values and beliefs from the simplest of football stories.
What Fun is a Linear Life?!?
One of the first topics of the night was adversity. Despite his extensive successes in his playing career, Peyton Manning went through some intense adversity.
In 2011, Manning underwent multiple neck surgeries, leaving his football future uncertain. The following offseason, the Colts drafted Andrew Luck and released Manning, who was left with nerve damage in his throwing arm – and without a home.
Despite his throws losing some velocity, Manning’s dedicated preparation would always set him apart. He may not have been the most talented player on the field, but he was always the most prepared.
The choice to go to the Denver Broncos was quite easy for Peyton Manning. The Broncos were a quarterback away from contending and were willing to let Manning bring in parts of his Colts playbook.
Manning explained how the setbacks of his journey were crucial to his personal growth. We may rarely want to admit it, but failure and adversity are the single greatest way to grow and learn about ourselves. If it were not for his detrimental neck injury, Peyton Manning would not have brought the city of Denver it’s long-awaited third Lombardi Trophy, nor would he have had his 2013 MVP season that most regard as the single-greatest offensive performance in NFL history (5,477 passing yards and 55 passing touchdowns – both current NFL records).
Photo by Evan Harris (Old Gold & Black – Wake Forest University)
Team on 3 1…2…3 TEAM!
Leadership and coaching are the backbones of any group. Peyton emphasized a good leader is one who never points fingers, doesn’t raise their voice, gives respect across the board, and puts it all on the line. Basically, I described Colts legendary coach Tony Dungy. Manning would agree, because that is exactly who he brought up when asked about leadership.
Manning emphasized that leadership is about paying it forward and guiding those around you. He also noted that even the best leaders need coaching themselves – learning is a lifelong process.
A great leader, as established, isn’t always vocal but potentially willing to go the extra mile. Edgerrin James was the Colts running back from 1999-2005. He was an electrifying player and was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. Peyton recounted when James was always willing and frankly excited to go out and set blocks for his teammates, despite that not being in the typical job description for a back.
Leadership takes many forms – through motivation, coaching, game planning, or even subtle actions like setting blocks. Sometimes the smallest of actions can inspire those around you.
May I Have Your Complete and Undivided Attention?
Peyton Manning mentioned few people in his conversation, but Emmanuel Sanders was one of them. Sanders was a Broncos legend and an instrumental piece to their Super Bowl 50 run.
The story went like this: In a game, Emmanuel came up to Peyton and told him about the amount of separation he was getting on short routes and how it needed to be exploited. The next play was called as a run, however, Manning got up to the line and called an audible. He snapped the ball and hit a wide-open Sanders for about 15 yards.
The 15 yards were great, but it was the connection between the two that is important. Manning stressed the importance of active listening in building trust and communication. As a quarterback, listening to teammate, like Sanders, meant all the difference in moments of execution.
Parenting 101
Through listening to Peyton Manning talk, you would quickly learn that his father Archie is his hero – he repeatedly mentioned him throughout the night. Archie was a standout quarterback at Ole Miss and a New Orleans Saints legend. He retired from the NFL when Peyton was eight years old. One thing that he will always remember is that his dad was at all of his sporting events and functions. Such a seemingly small detail is something that is forever engrained in Manning.
It is the little things, truly. Archie could have done other fulfilling things but chose to support his kids. It may seem as an obvious duty of a parent, but that is not the reality with many families. Peyton’s kids are both in eighth grade and he is following through on his promise as a father.
As many know, Peyton and Eli Manning host an alternative Monday Night Football ‘Manningcast’ on ESPN 2. When he was pitched the idea by ESPN, he did not want to consistently be away from his family. However, the brothers were offered to do it remotely from their homes in Colorado and New Jersey. Peyton said how he can go to his daughter’s volleyball match at 3:00 and be home in time to broadcast with his brother.
Disclaimer: We all know Peyton Manning is known for his commercials, and I can confidently confirm they are not going anywhere. He said to be on the lookout for more this fall!
Curiosity Complacency Killed the Cat
Peyton Manning-led teams suffered losing seasons only twice in his 17 playing seasons. He won an NFL-record five MVPs, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and was selected as an All-Pro ten times and a Pro Bowler 14 times. He went to three Super Bowls, winning two. If Peyton Manning knows one thing, it is how to be a winner.
Manning explained that success puts a target on your back. As a result, fictitious quotes from opponents would be posted on the locker room bulletin board to keep the competitive fire burning.
Historically, Peyton Manning was not a trash talker. He may have screamed at a few teammates and opponents over the years, but that’s the competitive spirit. He mentioned how time spent trash talking is time not spent preparing for the next drive. His philosophy was to celebrate a touchdown, high five the guys on the sideline, then sit down and work on how to do it again. The most driven people have an insatiable hunger for success.
Manning acknowledged how his brother Eli’s calm demeanor—never getting too high or too low—taught him the value of staying even-keeled through wins and losses. As Dory from Finding Nemo would optimistically say, “Just keep swimming”.
Dare to be Different
“Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and make a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Although Manning did not use this quote during the conversation, it is ever-relevant. His father and brothers, Eli and Cooper, all went to Ole Miss.
Manning trusted his instincts when he chose Tennessee over Ole Miss, despite the public backlash. He emphasized that blazing your own trail often invites criticism, but the key is making the decision right, rather than worrying if it is.
Ahead of Manning’s senior season, most anticipated him to declare for the NFL draft, as he would likely be the top selection. However, similar to his decision to go to Knoxville for college, he stayed for his senior season. He had already gotten his degree and was injury free; from an outsider’s perspective, he had no reason to stay.
Peyton had the opportunity to meet with Tim Duncan after a Wake Forest basketball game. Manning asked Duncan why he stayed at Wake Forest for his senior year. Duncan simply replied that he liked it there and wasn’t ready to leave.
That was the nail in the coffin for Manning, and his decision led to his best season at Tennessee, where he became a Heisman runner-up to Michigan’s Charles Woodson.
You do not need a concrete reason for wanting something. Sometimes the answer lies within. You may have to walk alone on parts of your journey, but many of life’s greatest treasures lie on the path untraveled.
Wrap Up
In just an hour, Peyton Manning shared wisdom far beyond football. Through his stories and analogies, he highlighted the essential components of teamwork and living a purposeful life.
Thanks as always, and stay tuned for more!
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