Peyton Manning was a football and gridiron legend and one of the most winning quarterbacks in NFL history. Despite his success, he became infamous for cussing out referees during games-and it got him suspended multiple times. He finally apologized to the public after years of regretting his actions; how did this not happen sooner?
Peyton Manning has been on a tear this year, winning 12 games in 15 starts for the Denver Broncos. The former Indianapolis Colts quarterback has thrown 30 touchdowns while only throwing one interception and posting a 3-1 record against Tom Brady’s New England Patriots. However, it was what happened during an October game that caused concern among NFL officials
Peyton Manning once cussed a referee out so hard the NFL was nervous to allow the legend to apologize. The incident happened in 2003 when Manning was playing for the Colts, and he got into an argument with referee Paul Weidner.
When you’re one of the best quarterbacks in history, it’s easy to believe you’re always correct. With a résumé as lengthy as a grocery bill, it’s difficult to picture Peyton Manning ever apologizing for his on-field actions. Manning informed listeners during one of his latest broadcasts that his response to a referee’s ruling from years ago still bothers him.
Peyton Manning’s career defining moments
In 2010, Peyton Manning made a complaint to a referee | Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Manning has plenty of memorable moments to reminisce on after 18 seasons in the NFL. The two-time Super Bowl champion became the first starting quarterback with two organizations to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy (Indianapolis and Denver).
He had several incredible performances over his career, including the single-season touchdown record against the Houston Texans in 2013. Manning passed for 400 yards and four touchdowns, the final of which set an NFL record as the season’s 51st touchdown. In all, he scored 55 touchdowns that season, a record that he still holds.
When he holds a halftime lead of 14 points or more, Tom Brady is 72-1 as a starting quarterback, including the playoffs, with 51 consecutive victories entering today.
The only defeat came in the 2006 AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. pic.twitter.com/I9ePPBdJki
January 21, 2019 — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo)
It’s difficult to discuss Manning’s career without mentioning his first Super Bowl appearance. Manning was up against rival Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
Early in the game, the Patriots held a 21-3 lead and seemed to be on their way to another Super Bowl participation.
Manning stepped up after a shaky start and led the Colts to a 38-34 victory, ensuring his team’s position in the Super Bowl.
Manning never sent an apology.
After shouting off an official, Peyton Manning attempted to write an apologetic letter to him. The NFL refused to provide him with the address of the referee. “They assumed I was going to go egg his home,” says the narrator. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Nxe4zVFzfy
September 14, 2021 — Jon Machota (@jonmachota)
Manning went into depth about a point in his career that he wasn’t very proud of during one of his broadcasts this past September. He informed viewers that a referee made a terrible holding call in a game against the Miami Dolphins, and it enraged him so much that he shouted the ref out.
Manning felt awful about the incident once he eventually cooled down and wanted to make it right, he added.
He told Insider that he wanted to apologize to the referee, so he called the NFL in the hopes of obtaining the official’s address. He wanted to write him a letter in which he expressed contrition for his behavior, but the NFL refused.
“As if I was going to go egg his home or something, they wouldn’t give me his address.” ‘I’m simply going to send him an apologetic letter!’ I thought. Nobody sends a letter of apology to the referees.”
Despite the fact that the event happened years ago, Manning finally utilized his on-air presence to apologize. Let’s hope the ref heard Manning’s remarks since he was watching the broadcast.
Off the pitch, there have been some difficult moments.
Manning has had many highs in his career, but he has also had a few problems off the field.
Manning took human growth hormone (HGH) to help him recover from an injury in 2011, according to a press story from 2015. The NFL examined Manning and cleared him, but many observers questioned whether the investigation was properly performed.
A former sports trainer who treated him like an All-American at the University of Tennessee has also accused him of sexual harassment. According to a CBS News interview with the trainer, the event happened in 1996, and she said, “I was appalled.” I was terrified. I was terrified. He was certainly a predator, with menacing, angry, and dangerous eyes.”
The athletic trainer and the University of Tennessee eventually reached an agreement. She also sued Manning and others for defamation of character. That, too, was resolved without going to court, with the terms not being made public.
Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning Have a Special Place in NFL History RELATED: Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning Have a Special Place in NFL History
