The owner of countless passing records, two Lombardi Trophies and five NFL MVP Awards, Peyton Manning’s golden right arm has carried him to the top of his profession, ranking among the greatest quarterbacks of all-time. But, as witnessed during Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game in Colorado, connecting downfield with Demaryius Thomas or Marvin Harrison requires a much different skill set than throwing off a major-league pitcher's mound.
Like so many failed celebrities before him, the 45-year-old’s ceremonial first pitch at Coors Field fell entirely flat, bouncing several feet in front of Rockies All-Star German Marquez. Though understandably disappointed, Manning, seen donning a vintage Larry Walker jersey, took his gaffe in stride, laughing it off with Marquez and Rockies legend Todd Helton, who, believe it or not, once competed with Manning for the starting quarterback job at the University of Tennessee.
Manning, who will be enshrined in Canton as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this summer, spent four of his 18 NFL seasons in Denver, leading the Broncos to their third Super Bowl in 2015. It’s been a while since Peyton commanded an NFL huddle—and probably even longer since his last pitch—so we’ll cut the Colts and Broncos legend some slack for the rust he displayed Tuesday in the Mile High City.
Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game, the first one held since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic, was won by the American League, who were also victorious when Denver hosted in 1998. MVP honors went to Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who homered and drove in two runs as the AL extended its winning streak in the Midsummer Classic to eight games.
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