The best decision the Indianapolis Colts ever made was selecting Peyton Manning with the No. 1 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Right after that selection was made, the San Diego Chargers drafted Ryan Leaf. As a result, their careers were forever intertwined.
Manning had a dominant career in the NFL and was just inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. Leaf, meanwhile, was labeled a bust by most analysts.
Although they were pitted against each other early on in their careers, Leaf and Manning actually developed a friendship along the way.
On Friday night, Leaf posted a heartfelt message for Manning on Twitter. Leaf wanted to congratulate Manning ahead of this weekend’s Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
“We first met 24 years ago on a phone call and have been linked ever since,” Leaf wrote. “Tonight my pal receives his gold jacket and enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Very proud of Peyton and grateful for his friendship all these years!”
We first met 24 years ago on a phone call and have been linked ever since. Tonight my pal receives his gold jacket and enters the @ProFootballHOF Very proud of Peyton and grateful for his friendship all these years!! #classof97 #hofdads pic.twitter.com/P6dtfGZpRa
— Ryan D Leaf (@RyanDLeaf) August 6, 2021
This is a really classy gesture from Leaf, who clearly didn’t let Manning’s success at the professional level impact their friendship.
Manning legitimately revolutionized the quarterback position during his time in the NFL. The two-time Super Bowl champion finished his career with 71,940 passing yards and 539 touchdown passes.
NFL fans will have the chance to watch Manning’s enshrinement ceremony this Sunday.
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