Colts will retire Manning’s No. 18
Peyton Manning took one more victory lap around Indianapolis on Friday.
It’s not likely to be his last.
Less than two weeks after announcing his retirement in Denver, the record-breaking quarterback returned to his first NFL home to reminisce, thank supporters and receive a fitting send-off from the team he first played for. Colts owner Jim Irsay said Manning’s No. 18 jersey will be retired and the team will erect a statue of him at Lucas Oil Stadium in honor of the man who did a lot more than win games in Indy.
“When I got here, it was basketball, basketball, basketball and it was car racing, car racing, car racing. Football was probably in the third place and that’s no longer the case. It’s a football town,” Manning said. “It was fun to be a part of that transformation.”
For Manning, this was more like a second trip down memory lane.
He recounted tales of incredible comebacks and bitter disappointments, former teammates and the bonds they formed, and he acknowledged how grateful he was that the city embraced him from the day he arrived.
A smattering of fans some dressed in the Colts’ blue-and-white, other dressed in Denver’s orange and blue stood outside the front gate of the team’s complex.
Inside, it was emotional.
At one point, Manning’s voice cracked, though he drew a lot more laughter, including a roar after remembering Jim Mora’s infamous “playoffs” rant was actually directed at him after he threw four interceptions against the 49ers.
It was a stark contrast to the last time Manning and Irsay stood together inside the same room in March 2012. Back then, both shed tears during as Irsay announced the parting of ways to make room for Manning’s successor, Andrew Luck.
Rvens CB critical after accident
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker is in critical condition after being involved in motorcycle accident.
The Ravens say Walker is at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Walker was selected by Baltimore in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played in eight games last season, mostly on special teams.
In Thursday’s statement, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said “This is devastating news. Our prayers and hopes are with Tray and his family tonight.”
A native of Miami, Walker attended Miami Northwestern High School before playing in college at Texas Southern.
Colts sign former Steelers running back
The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent running back Jordan Todman on Friday.
Terms of the deal were not immediately available.
The 5-10, 200-pound Todman is the second running back Indy has signed this week. On Tuesday, the Colts added veteran Robert Turbin to back up Frank Gore.
Todman has started three times in 44 games, rushing 115 times for 472 yards and three TDs since San Diego took him in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. He also has 40 receptions for 314 yards.
Last season, Todman played in 11 games with Pittsburgh and had four carries for 22 yards. He also played in both of the Steelers’ playoff games.
Todman also has spent time with the Vikings and Jaguars.