Peyton Manning Uses the Media to Make a Strong Point

Generally, in the wide world of sports, when an athlete speaks out and criticizes their own organization in the media, that athlete comes across spoiled and immature and inevitably humbles themselves with an apology (usually by reading an insincere statement drafted by their agent).

But earlier this week we saw an example of a veteran athlete, concerned about the direction of his team, make a calculated statement to the media questioning his organization’s front office leadership and decision making.

In this case, the athlete, Peyton Manning, strategically used the media to not only send a message to his owner and front office but also to the fans and community.

On May 14, Indianapolis Colts’ offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd unexpectedly retired due a change in the NFL’s pension program. In order to save some salary and savings under the new pension plan, the two coaches relinquished their titles and were instead named as team consultants.

However, NFL Coaches Association executive director Larry Kennan has now indicated that Moore and Mudd would have to wait six months before they’re allowed to return to the organization in any capacity.

The Colts suffered a bigger coaching loss in January when longtime head coach Tony Dungy, who guided the team to a Super Bowl title just two seasons ago, retired and was replaced by associate head coach Jim Caldwell - his first NFL head coaching job.

So with a rookie head coach and huge questions regarding the status of the team’s offensive coaching staff, Colts’ quarterback and NFL superstar Peyton Manning stepped up and sent a powerful message to “the powers that be” with the following emotional statement:

“I wouldn’t say I totally like the way it is right now. It’s not normal not having a full coaching staff. I know we hired a couple of guys to come in, but these guys are learning. I think the communication has been pretty poor in my opinion, but that’s what we’re dealing with…

"Somebody says one thing, then somebody else says another thing…I’m not sure everybody’s on the same page in this building. I’m just trying to focus on playing quarterback well.”

Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Colts in 1998, Manning has become one of the most successful players in NFL history. His clean cut image, dedication to his charitable foundation and his unparalleled success as a celebrity product endorser has made Manning arguably the most popular athlete in all of American sports.

Manning is probably the most valuable asset any sports organization can possess. In no uncertain terms, he’s the franchise and an enormous part of the NFL.

Manning has also been extremely media-savvy throughout his career, always representing his organization with class and never hurting the team or a teammate with a inappropriate statement – even one out of anger or frustration (except maybe one harmless quote a few years ago about an “idiot kicker," but we all know Manning was on the money with that one).

So it was very impressive the way Manning recognized the potential problems affecting his team and, as its leader, stood up and took charge – sending a message via the media.

As a result, the team’s fans and community know that their beloved captain and leader is unhappy with the organization. And if Peyton’s unhappy, oh boy, all Colts fans are unhappy…and probably really mad.

Manning's message delivered through the media puts pressure on the Colts’ front office to resolve the problem, and resolve it fast because now the team’s fans and community are involved.

Only an athlete with the stature of a Peyton Manning could make such a poignant public statement.

Another great display of play calling and execution by #18.