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Peyton Manning-Undoubtedly the best QB in the league today, and one of the greatest of all-time. He revitalized the Colts, and has helped formed the NFL into the behemoth it is today.
But could he have been even better?
Yes, and here's how.


The year is 1997, and Peyton Manning is a junior at Tennessee. He is the highest-rated prospect in the Draft, and many believe that he will come out this year.

The New York Jets hold the 1st pick in the Draft this year, and Coach Bill Parcells is looking to return the franchise to glory. While the Big Tuna is a defensive-minded man who would prefer linebacker James Farrior out of Virginia, Parcells also knows the benefits of a franchise QB, having drafted Drew Bledsoe for the Patriots just a few years ago. He decides that if Manning does enter, the Jets will draft him.

Back in Knoxville, Manning struggles with his decision-He's NFL ready, he knows it. But there is also the allure of staying in school one more year, trying to win a Heisman Trophy and a National Championship. Finally, he goes to his coach, Phillip Fulmer, and asks what he should do.
Fulmer pats him on the shoulder, and says "Peyton, you're like a son to me. And I'd love for you to stay here. But you have an opportunity to do something great in the NFL, and if you don't take it, I'll kick your ass from here 'til Sunday."
With that, Manning is decided-He will enter the Draft.

Fast-forward: April 19th, 1997. The day of the Draft. Manning, along with Ohio State's tackle Orlando Pace and cornerback Shawn Springs, USC defensive tackle Darrell Russell, linebackers Peter Boulware and James Farrior from Florida State and Virginia, and California tight end Tony Gonzales have all been invited to New York City, Madison Square Garden, to have their lives changed.
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, after some brief greetings, walks to the stage with the Jet's pick in his hand, and says the 20 fateful words that will help launch a dynasty: "With the first pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select, Quarterback Peyton Manning, University of Tennessee."

The New York crowd, usually anxious and dismissive of their draft picks, roars with delight. Finally, a guy who won't miss, a guy who can win, finally, a guy the Jets can be happy with!

As Manning walks out onstage, Bill Parcells is grinning. He's got his star, a quarterback made for the Jets. The Manning kid understands history, has a good grounding, will work his ass off, and most importantly, he knows what is like to lose-So he will win. But Bill Parcells isn't done for the day-The mastermind still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

And finally, there's Peyton himself standing onstage, grinning, holding a green Jets jersey with the Commissioner, not knowing the dynasty he's about to build....
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