My new Peyton Manning jersey
I've been pretty analytical about the whole Peyton Manning thing. I mean, there was the salary cap issue, the Andrew Luck thing, the medical uncertainty, the relatively short amount of career left even if he could come back. I didn't like it, but I understood the fact that he would probably be released. And I tried to think about how good Luck would become.
Last Monday, when I heard on the radio that PM would be released the next day, one of the sports talk guys said "you know this means you won't be able to buy a PM Colts jersey any longer." A feeling approaching panic set in as I realized that my current PM jersey was one of those cheap ones with the silkscreened letters - I just couldn't see paying for one of the official ones when I had bought it. And now, for the rest of eternity, I'd be stuck with that crappy jersey!
I got out of my car and went into Dick's. Nothing there (except Addai jerseys for $29). I went onto Colts.com and they were sold out except for a white jersey in 6XL size. I didn't want a PM tent to wear, so I passed on that one. I quickly went to the NFL shop online and saw that they still had some blue PM jerseys - the premium ones with stitched letters and everything. I gladly whipped out my credit card and bought it. I considered buying two for a moment and framing one for my basement, but figured my wife might not like that move.
My wife texted me today to tell me that my jersey had arrived in the mail. I was pretty excited. It looked great. I carefully cut off some loose threads and stuff, put it on and looked at myself in the mirror. I took it off and looked at the MANNING letters on the back. Suddenly, I was no longer analytical about the whole release thing. I felt really sad for the first time looking at that jersey and realizing that they would no longer be made again and would become items on Ebay one day. Collector items. It really bummed me out. I don't think I can adequately explain why it makes me feel this way.
I love my new jersey. But it also makes me sad. Maybe I'll wear it during games next year and pretend he is still there....
- Paul
In addition to buying my new jersey, I had planned on buying a jersey from PMs new team too. I'm originally from Tennessee, so the Titans would work for me. Denver - well, they're unoffensive, so I would gladly wear a Broncos Manning jersey. Miami and Arizona - those are fine too. But the 49ers??!! I nearly vomited when I heard he met with them. I've hated the 49'ers ever since "The Catch" since I grew up with the Cowboys as my childhood team. I honestly don't think I could wear a San Fran jersey, even with MANNING on the back. Here's to hoping Bud Adams doesn't seem as crazy to PM as he does to people like me....
i've had a nice Pmoney jersey for a while now
but haven't really been able to wear it in public being 5'5" and 115 lbs and all.
its not quite the "PM tent" problem the OP had, but it is something of a "PM cocktail dress," which just isn't cool
My parents sent my a Manning jersey for my birthday a few months ago! I was so excited and wore it to the Superbowl party because I was still cheering for the Manning family! I am still hoping Manning comes to Miami so I can wear the jersey to the dolphins games.... I can dream right??
I've got the triplets: 18, 88 & 32. Thing is, only Marvin's is in "speed blue". Edge's is the older blue, more royal than dark; and the Manning jersey I have is an away white jersey. Very tempted to get a commemorative blue SB jersey.
In related news, I just realized within the past day that I was at Manning's last victory as a Colt. I live out of the area and had been given 2 tickets to the '10 game at the Luke vs. the Titans as a Christmas gift. This is the game where Brackett knocked out a TEN special teamer during Bethea's near-FG return TD. Similar to you, at first I felt one way – somewhat content that I could "claim" this; now, a bit sad and nostalgic.
Well written Paul. Nice work.
Following this purchase, I feel emboldened to buy a Reggie Wayne jersey. I may end up with a whole collection now...
I'd never owned one either and I bought one Tuesday night in the midst of my depression.
For the record, I just bought a PM jersey last night. I haven't owned one before either, but I'll still wear it every Sunday in the fall/winter.
