When it comes to legacies for NFL quarterbacks, there's no measuring stick used more by critics than championships.
Dan Marino, a hall of famer and nine-time Pro Bowl selection who holds more than seven NFL passing records, often has his stellar career accomplishments overlooked by writers and analysts, who choose instead to focus on the fact that Marino was never able to win a Super Bowl.
In what are most likely the last years of his career, Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning could be headed toward an endless reel of Marino references. Manning, 1-1 in Super Bowls, has a chance to get a second ring on Feb. 2, and, depending on what happens in that game, the media will discuss one of two things.
Should the Broncos lose, they'll talk about Manning not being able to win big games. If the Broncos win, they'll debate whether he's the greatest quarterback to ever play the game.
No matter what happens come Super Bowl Sunday, the book on Manning's legacy has already been written. He is one of, if not the, greatest quarterbacks to ever play football. The stats alone are enough to make this argument; the 13 Pro Bowl selections, the 4 Most Valuable Player awards, the myriad of NFL passing records etc... Manning's resume is as impressive of any other QB who has ever put on a helmet.
What is often overlooked, however, is that Manning has single-handedly pulled two dying NFL franchises from the depths of the grave over the course of his career.
When he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts number one overall in 1998, they were coming off an embarrassing 3-13 season. By his second year in the league, Manning had led the Colts to a 13-3 regular season record and a division title.
In 2006, Manning led Indianapolis to a 12-4 regular season record, marking the fourth-straight season the Colts had won at least 12 games. That was the year Manning won his first Super Bowl, which was also the first win for the Colts franchise.
In 2011, Manning, who had not missed a start since his rookie year in 1998, underwent two neck surgeries and had to sit out the entire season. Manning was released by the Colts in March of 2012, but was signed by the Broncos just 13 days later.
Before 2013, the Broncos had just one playoff win since 2005. Now, Manning has them playing for the franchise's first Super Bowl since 1998.
Championships are the pinnacle of any sport. Manning has been there, and will probably get there again. But, I really don't think Peyton Manning has much left to prove.
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