Lights Out! Ravens, Flacco Sends Ray Lewis Out On Top

It’s no better way, as a champ, to go out on top and ride off into the sunset. It’s a refreshing story for the greatest middle linebacker of all time, Ray Lewis, who will leave the game in style. He finally gets to the Super Bowl after winning a championship ring 13 years ago as a Raven. He finally rejoices in a gratifying moment, only to be part of a team that has a gifted quarterback.

The folks in Baltimore won’t ever forget Joe Flacco’s fantastic postseason run. From zero to hero, he’s on the rise and stole the show on Super Bowl Sunday, completing a postseason of perfection and competence. He won the game, as well as the MVP award, which was well deserving considering that he was flawless and at ease on a night that much was on the line, on a night that meant so much to Lewis.

“It’s simple: When God is for you, who can be against you?” Lewis said, grappling the Lombardi Trophy. “It’s no greater way, as a champ, to go out on your last ride with the men that I went out with, with my teammates. And you looked around this stadium and … Baltimore! Baltimore! We coming home, baby! We did it!”

The story of Ray Lewis and a clash between John and Jim Harbaugh have been remarkable tales all week at Super Bowl XLVII, a couple of feel-good narratives of a vocal leader and the first ever brother vs. brother coaching duel in Super Bowl history. There is a lot more to John Harbaugh, the strategist who coaches the Baltimore Ravens, and to Lewis, the authentic, enthusiastic, intense demigod who pumps up his teammates. That much came to light when he energized and encouraged his team during his pregame speech before the game. And the fact John built a perennial winner in Baltimore and beat his little brother to capture his first Super Bowl title is a great feeling to him, and even though Jim couldn’t beat his big brother, he’s a winner, too, as he can celebrate and enjoy the night with his family.

For the last time, Lewis gathered his teammates around in a huddle and gave his usual inspirational speech. For the last time, before he walked off the field permanently, he stood on an elevated stage at midfield and lifted the Lombardi Trophy with grace and satisfaction, as the confetti poured onto the artificial turf from the roof of the Superdome in the Big Easy. The last we’ve seen an overjoyed Lewis, a 25-year-old at the peak of his game, was when he led Baltimore to Super Bowl triumph, bringing home the stainless steel to a population of Baltimore faithful.

It was fitting — amid the dominant storylines told all week — witnessing O.J. Brigance being escorted onto the field and celebrating from the confines of his wheelchair. The former Ravens linebacker, who is now the Ravens’ senior advisor on player development, is suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and has been a source of inspiration throughout the team’s improbable run to the Super Bowl.

The Ravens clobbering and beating down the 49ers early had reached insanity with Flacco’s Ravens vehemently controlling the momentum, a look at Baltimore’s offensive juggernauts, a look at the far more superior team. The score was 28-6, all Ravens, followed by a blackout and the 49ers’ 17-point rally to show resilience, and they nearly pulled off the sweetest comeback in Super Bowl history. For a surging run that appeared to be impossible to stop, the Ravens ended the 49ers’ night at their own goal line. In the end, although the power outage might have disrupted and shifted the game’s momentum, the Ravens, as a whole collectively, survived a rally and preserved a lead to hold on and secure a flourishing win. Over on the sideline, John, the older brother, yelled at an official during his outburst and was irate over the fact a long delay could have killed momentum. Across the way, Jim, the younger brother, screamed at the officials and argued a pass interference no-call. Maybe receiver Michael Crabtree was bumped in the end zone on the 49ers’ last offensive play.

Where there’s agony, there’s also happiness. The Ravens, with a number of players who’ve been yearning for Super Bowl titles over the years, are still smiling about the ride to a tremendous sense of greatness. So it seems natural that, in perspective of this game, Lewis would break down into tears emotionally and shout, “We did it!” in response to his teammates, and that veteran safety Ed Reed would watch the confetti fall from the ceiling with his arms extended.

“How could it be any other way? It’s never pretty. It’s never perfect. But it’s us,” John Harbaugh said after winning the brother vs. brother clash with younger brother Jim. “It was us today.”

When it was over, Jim walked to the middle of the field to meet his brother, briefly shook hands and kindly exchanged words. The inaugural Harbowl — in a delayed game — was suspended more than half an hour because of a power outage following Beyoncé’s halftime show that consumed more and more electricity, using thousands of blue lights that some think turned off the lights and left thousands in the dark. The Ravens, the unified, cohesive darlings when it comes to America embracing a team since Lewis announced he will be calling it quits at the end of the season, simply are treating this victory like it was the last football game ever played.

“It’s no greater way, as a champ, to go out on your last ride with the men that I went out with, with my teammates,” Lewis said emotionally. “And you looked around this stadium and Baltimore! Baltimore! We coming home, baby! We did it!”

Every so often, in America’s most popular sport, we are coerced into worshipping Peyton and Eli Manning, the sons of Saints legend Archie — applauding two iconic quarterbacks who won Super Bowls and became the ultimate megastars as advertised. All week, though, the Manning family wasn’t a bittersweet tale of Super Bowl XLVII. The central theme of this particular game was the Harbaughs, and after the Ravens beat San Francisco in a 34-31 thriller, Flacco was an unsung hero throwing a record-tying 11 touchdowns in the playoffs, with no interceptions. That’s what wins championships. That’s what solidifies legacies and allows a player to earn a raise or a megabuck deal with a team, desperately undaunted enough to spend millions as a way to lure pro athletes.

On greater imports, Flacco stepped into his role on offense and carried a team that had a veteran, aging defense. For perspective’s sake, he’s won Baltimore a Super Bowl — and because of his accuracy, arm strength, guts and self-assurance — the Ravens can touch the glittery trophy and Lewis seizes the moment. With Lewis’ NFL career proudly drawing to a close, Flacco, who quarterbacked the Ravens to sheer greatness and delivered when it mattered the most, is gradually becoming a dictator of a well-executed passing game and is becoming a franchise quarterback. It ended, at last, in New Orleans, with a fledged, poised individual, the 28-year-old who was — including this season — viewed as a polarizing figure as many believed Flacco was unfit for greatness. The run is not over, and as it turns out, he’s quickly emerging into a superstar in pro football.

“I’m a Joe Flacco fan. I’ve been a Joe Flacco fan,” Lewis said. “For him to come in and do what he did today, and made some of the throws he made, that is what we’ve always seen. We’ve always said that when you win a championship, one man won’t win the ring. It will be a complete team. We won as a complete team.”

The debates and doubts ended when he connected with Anquan Boldin 13 yards for a touchdown and when he flipped a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dennis Pitta. Nobody has had a more humiliating week than 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver, from his anti-gay comments to getting beat twice, particularly on an electrifying 56-yard touchdown catch by Jacoby Jones in the first half. He also missed a tackle on Jones’ record-setting 108-yard kickoff return that gave the Ravens a 28-6 lead. Having a breakout performance in the most meaningful game, Flacco has certainly wedged himself in elite company and contract talks are now heavy, and he’s likely about to get paid.

How good was he? He was super.

And having said that, Flacco was 22 for 33 for 287 yards and finished with three touchdowns. It was one shinning moment, and it was a moment that he went from low-level to top-notch by standards, impressively dominating and outdoing 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. It was an eyebrow-raising moment, a game where he was unruffled and didn’t throw a pick, moving the ball and delivering scoring passes. It’s about Lewis, but this particular night was more about Flacco.

In Flacco, we trust.

Tracy Porter: From Little-Known IU Hoosier to Saints’ Championship Hero

3rd and 5. Peyton Manning looks to bring a comeback for the Colts, who are down 24-17. Manning drops back, throws a quick one to Reggie Wayne and it’s—NO!—it’s intercepted…IT’S INTERCEPTED! TRACY PORTER TAKES THE BALL! He’s running back, only Peyton can stop him, gets blocked. Porter is gonna take this all the way! TOUCHDOWN, SAINTS! 31-17, this looks to be over! Tracy Porter, one hella of a guy you are!

Two Weeks Earlier

Brett Favre looking to go to the Super Bowl since over a twelve years now! In field goal range, Favre looks to bring the ball up more right for a game-winning field goal. Favre drops back, runs to right and throws…it’s picked off! PICKED OFF BY TRACY PORTER! He ends the hopes of a fourth-quarter win for Minnesota. Saints can win this……[Overtime] Garrett Hartley for a 40-yarder. And it’s in! The Saints are going to the Super Bowl! Bourbon Street is going crazy! Saints going to their first ever Super Bowl! They’re gonna face the Colts! Saints win, Saints win! WHO DAT!

Tracy Porter. One little-known IU Hoosier, gets drafted by the Saints in the second round. 2008 season? Wasn’t much. This season changed it all. If it weren’t for this guy, heck, New Orleans wouldn’t even be in the Super Bowl….

Porter began playing at Port Allen High in Port Allen, mmm Louisiana. He was a playmaker, doing such positions as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and cornerback. He played fantastic in his Senior Year, with 93 tackles and eleven interceptions. He went on to go to Indiana University, to play for the Hoosiers football team.

Porter didn’t disappoint there. He was the Hoosiers’ main guy at corner. His Senior year was the best, putting up 83 tackles and six interceptions, having the honors on the Big Ten Conference First-Team. Porter ended his career with IU with 211 tackles and 16 interceptions. The interceptions was placed second in team-history. Along in the Senior year, the Hoosiers went to the Insight Bowl, but losing in a heartbreaker to Oklahoma State.

After a good career at IU, Porter declared for the NFL Draft…

April 26, 2008

With the 40th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select…Tracy Porter, cornerback, Indiana University….

Porter did well at the Combine to make it to the second round. Porter ran a 4.37 in the 40-yard-dash, which is impressive, being the tenth-fastest there. Porter looked to show off his skills on the field now. But, 2008 wasn’t the year. His rookie season was not much, having 25 tackles, one interception, and a sack.

2009 will be totally different.

The Saints went on to become 13-0, later going on a three-game losing-streak to end the season. At 13-3, nobody expected them to do much in the playoffs. Porter recorded 57 tackles, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Also, in the 46-34 victory over the Dolphins, Porter picked off a pass that would go for a 54-yard-touchdown. That season really made up for the rookie year, in my opinion.

Entering the playoffs, the Saints captured victory over the Cardinals, 45-14. Porter wasn’t a big playmaker in that game, only recording five tackles—nothing else. Following the next game in the NFC Championship, Brett Favre was trying to lead the Vikings to victory with minutes to go in the game. Favre led them down to what would be a 50-yard field-goal. He had to get them closer to ensure a made kick. With a broken ankle, Favre was being chased and ran to the right. He threw a crazy pass which was intercepted by Porter. Porter returned it to where the Saints could end it. They didn’t. Overtime. But it was no problem. They marched down the field after winning the coin toss, letting Garrett Hartley win the game for them. This win was sweet on Bourbon Street. Porter had eight tackles in this game, along with that interception. If Porter didn’t make that pick, who knows what would’ve happened? The pass most probably would have been incomplete. What if that field goal was made? See?

In the Super Bowl, the Saints made a touchdown off a Jeremy Shockey catch. It was Manning time. Could Manning tie the game? They were marching down the field. They were now up at the 30-yard-line, 3rd and 5. Manning was hooking up nicely with Reggie Wayne. This play was costly for the Colts. Manning looked at Reggie the whole time and threw a quick pass to him. Wayne didn’t see it coming. Only Porter did, who returned it 74 yards for a touchdown. It was all over from there. 31-17, Saints. If Porter didn’t do that there, who knows? Colts may have easily tied the game, made a comeback, and win.

Saints fans need to be very fortunate for Porter. Nobody will probably ever know of Porter’s heroics. I did. Tracy Porter was a hero for the Saints. The true one. He let the Saints go the Super Bowl. He stopped Brett Favre, he stopped Peyton Manning.

For those of you who don’t know Tracy Porter.

It’s time to know him now….

Super Bowl 44: The Colts Had It, But the Saints Wanted It More; The Best Night for Bourbon Street

As a Colts fan, this game really disappointed me. But hey, the New Orleans Saints wanted it more. They needed this. After all New Orleans has gone through for the past few years with Hurricane Katrina and all that. Along with that, the Saints were never a good football team. The NFC Championship was the farthest they’ve ever gone before the season started. And they only made the NFC Championship once in their life.

The Saints were undervalued. With losing to teams like the Buccaneers with their starters, the Saints were not favorites entering the playoffs. They proved everyone wrong. And then, the heroics of Tracy Porter came in the NFC Championship game. After that pick, it was over. It happened last night in the Super Bowl, against a high-powered Colts’ team.

The first quarter started off hot for Indiana. 10-0. But in the second quarter, it all began to slip away. The Saints made mistakes, but they know. They know how to stop Peyton Manning and this Colts’ offense. Amazing job by Gregg Williams with the defense. As a Colts’ fan, I wasn’t all that bad about Indianapolis losing to be honest. 2006 was more memorable, more intense. This season was destined for New Orleans. They needed this.

The NFC Championship win two weeks ago was a sweet win on Bourbon Street. Last night, it would have to be the sweetest. Back to the game. With the second quarter over, it was 10-6. Entering the third, it felt like the Colts knew what was going to happen. Every time they lead at the half, they are pretty much undefeated (the New York regular season game does not count to me in any way). And plus, if they were trailing, they always found a way to win and figure out the defense.

The game started off…with an onside kick. My god. Sean Payton pulled off a crazy stunt. Hank Baskett almost had it, but they were too surprised by this. So it started off with Saints’ ball, for both halves. That is when the Colts’ defense plummeted. They weren’t ready to go on and they failed on the drive. Couldn’t tackle, left guys open throughout the game and kept Manning off the field.

That was the way to stop the man. That was to way to stop the “Greatest of All-Time.” It started to get out of hand big during the end. Matt Stover misses a field goal while Garrett Hartley makes all of them. It was 17-16, Colts holding on real tight. They had this. Everything was going good for them. Joseph Addai was running the ball great. It was very unexpected. For the drive on the Saints, Indiana played horrible defense. They left guys open the whole game and gave Drew Brees so much time to throw.

Since the onside kick, it ruined it all. Jeremy Shockey got the touchdown and the Saints were up 22-17. Then came the two-point conversion. Lance Moore made a crazy catch. To me, it was 50/50 for a catch. It seemed liked he had it and then he loses possession. But New Orleans got it and it was 24-17. No reason to worry. If the Colts’ defense doesn’t want to take the push, Manning needs to take the control. It was Manning. It was all down to No. 18. With this drive, it would be legendary. He already had one with the 96-yarder. This had to be better.

Manning got a couple of first downs. It was now third. Manning was looking good with Reggie Wayne. There went Manning, hiked the ball. He threw a quick pass right at Reggie Wayne, and out of nowhere came Tracy Porter. He went to Indiana University. Now he was taking an interception back for a touchdown…on his hometown NFL team back then. Porter was something. He made legendary guys sad. First Brett Favre to end it, and now Manning. Saints were up 31-17 with three minutes to go.

Could the Colts come back? Yes they can. Manning threw a lob and long pass to Austin Collie. They were now in the red zone. After a few plays, they made it into the goal line. On those downs, they weren’t worth it. On third and goal, they ran it. They ran it! What the eff! It was a wasted down. Now it just came down to this. Fourth down. Manning threw it and it was tipped. Turnover on downs with 44 seconds to go. The Saints were going to win their first Super Bowl ever!

Colts’ fans, don’t get too overwhelmed with the loss. The Colts can run the ball now, in my opinion. It’s time for Joseph Addai to get back like he was back then. He will do it. And also, it’s not so bad being the second-best team in the league. Don’t worry. AFC Champions is something positive to look at. The Colts made it, but the New Orleans Saints just wanted it more. They needed it. The Saints can build on a future with Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and more. Saints fans need to be very luck with Tracy Porter. They wouldn’t have even made it to the big show without that interception in the NFC Championship.

Don’t worry Indianapolis. You’re the team to beat in the AFC. With the way you were playing this year and you can bring it on more this season, it’s another Super Bowl. You’ll make it in one of the next two years, I know it. Hats off to New Orleans. They played one hella of a game. And fans of the NFL, don’t think as if the Saints killed Indy. 31-17 may look like it. To me, it felt more like 24-17. It was over from 24-17 anyways. Porter just ended it. Both teams played hard. The Colts gave the Saints a challenge, but they found out quickly about them after the half.

So again, hats off to New Orleans.

This has got to be the sweetest night ever on Bourbon Street.

Saints March Into Super Bowl, a Memorable Win For a Long-Suffering City

In what may have been the most heartfelt game in Super Bowl history, Who Dat Nation can finally celebrate on Bourbon Street. They can begin tossing black and gold beads, feast on gumbo and eat Emerald's prepared food dishes.


There’s a sense the New Orleans Saints are hometown heroes, giving the enthusiastic and authentic folks on Bourbon Street the sweetest win since the city dealt with a devastating crisis.

It was a moment to rejoice as a town and leave behind the dreadful memories of Hurricane Katarina—affliction that deprived and ravaged New Orleans. But finally, fans have something to cheer about, after the Saints rendered years of futility.

For once, it felt like an elite franchise, an experienced franchise prepared to seize its first title in franchise history on pro football’s biggest stage. For once, the Saints aren’t witnessing long-suffering calamity that placed misery and burdens within a community where the unfaithful fans booed, protested and wore paper bags over their heads calling them the Aints.

So the people of New Orleans, people who believes strongly in voodoo dolls and marching with the Saints, couldn’t be more elated to jive on the busiest street in town, listening to the beautiful jazz songs as its greatest victory flourished in South Florida to open a page in the history books.

Living in a country where the biggest game of the year should be declared a national holiday, the Super Bowl isn’t only viewed for the giddy commercial ads or gathering as a family to host a sizable party. It also embraces a storybook season. It seems a surreal season transformed into reality. The Saints proved unflappable in the greatest game of their 43-year existence. It seems the Saints were resilient, entering the game of roman numerals with a posture of perseverance and heart.

“Whoever thought that this could be happening?” Drew Brees said. “Eighty-five percent of the city was under water. People were evacuating to places all over the country. Most people left not knowing whether New Orleans would ever come back, or if the organization would ever come back.”

There you have it. The Saints are your Super Bowl champs. First time is a charm. This is exhilarating for a community that fought through adversity, a community that adores football and appreciates their sudden conquest to raise its first banner in the Superdome.

Not long ago, they were so hopeless and pathetic, to whereas ridiculing and lambasting the Saints was a yearly ritual. Today, of course, we’ve praised them, we’ve rooted them on, we’ve pampered them, and we’ve shared our sympathy. If there’s a cure for healing the tragedy that tore the spirit, the Saints marching to its first Lombardi Trophy is an antidote—a moment the town appeases a franchise that has long passed the lingering pain of failures, a predicament labeling the team for decades.


It took the second decade of the 21st century for the Saints to shake off hideous misadventures and dismay, finally reaching a crescendo in Super Bowl XLIV. But without debate the bigger story was Brees outshining Peyton Manning, forcing the greatest quarterback’s legacy to wait.

Much of the debate leading up to the big game dwelled on whether Manning could add a title to his resume and solidify his legacy. But a legacy materialized before our very eyes, along with a historic achievement. Not only was it revival within a dispirited town, but memories of joy and idolatry. The good people of New Orleans anoint and worship the Saints.

“We were on a mission,” said linebacker Scott Fujita. “For us, it was about much more than just football.”

Keep in mind, that’s how much the franchise means to a feverish crowd on Bourbon Street. They watched their Saints pull off the most impressive victory in Super Bowl history. Once it all ended, the Saints celebrated its first worthwhile championship, a memory that will always remain in the hearts of many.

All season, fans embraced their elite toughness, which revealed a renaissance age. With the resurgence of Brees, who most doubted after having surgery on his throwing arm in 2006, the Saints were an organization willing to allow him a chance.

Sure enough, he’s a true hero producing on a colossal stage when jitters play an effect on a first-timers performance level. The excitement and nervous reactions wasn’t a factor, able to master brilliancy after leaving behind images of a memorable quarterbacking performance.


For all the hype and constant debates of Manning’s legacy, Brees was a minority, and the Saints were still evaluated as an inferior team without enough experience. So much for Manning validating a legacy. Brees hijacked our consciousness on the most dignified night of his career, courtesy of the gutsy onside kick entering the second half that gave the Saints gained momentum.

It’s a rarity to witness trickeries when a championship is on the line, but Thomas Morstead kicked an undaunted onside kick that surprised the Colts and was recovered by Chris Reis. From there, the Saints maintained poise, dominated at will, and Brees continued delivering passes with incredible precision and awareness. That prompted 32- of-39 completed passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Amid Brees’ flawless performance, prolific cornerback Tracy Porter picked off Manning and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown.

“When I saw my blockers in front of me, and only Peyton and the offensive linemen left,” said Porter, “I cut back and ran it in.”

That put things out of reach, lifting premature celebrations and dance parties in the street. And lastly, the Saints danced as if they were children traveling from Sun Life Stadium to Disney World. Instead they were jubilating over an impressive 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, excited to be honored with their first memorabilia. While Manning’s legacy takes a downfall—missing intended receiver Reggie Wayne after Gregg Williams’ superb defense executed blitzes—we now realize how elite Brees really is.

“We play for so much more than ourselves," Brees said. “We played for our city. We played for the entire Gulf Coast region.

Without debate, he’ll go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Super Bowl history in a city where the population admires his humanitarian work, charitable work and involvement within a community that needs much rebuilding. But even greater, the Saints are mentioned in the Super Bowl category.

They now own a spot in history after dominating on the immense platform in sports. They marched until the intriguing contest ended, they marched against a team that had been there before, and they marched to come back from a 10-point deficit, proving title worthy.

There was Saints owner Tom Benson, the 80-year-old man who celebrated as the biggest fan, who stood on the midfield stage to receive the gleaming Lombardi Trophy and shouted to the heavens, “We’re back! We’re back!" He was filled with happiness as was Sean Payton, the best coach to ever lead the Saints. And Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees lifted his son, Baylen, and held him embracing the moment.

“I’ve just told our guys, you’ve got to make me look good on this,” Payton said. “We were going to be aggressive. When you do something like that, you just put it on the players, and they were able to execute. It turned out to be a big change of possession and ended with a score.”

Thousands gathered at Sun Life Stadium chanting “Who Dat! Who Dat!”

It was the Saints fulfilling a life-long dream for a grateful city. Finally, they can alleviate the horrid memories of long suffering.

Well, I guess Mardi Gras begins in the state of the fleur-de-lis.

Celebrate good times and twirl those fancy Saints’ umbrellas.

Like Father, Like Son, but Peyton's Legacy Ascends Greater than Archie's

His father, Archie, was a hometown icon, espoused as the noble quarterback in a city that never had much luck winning games. Peyton Manning was introduced to the game at a young age, rooting on Archie, who wore a Saints uniform. And so it happens to be the franchise Manning must defeat if he wants to sustain glory and celebrate in a parade no later than Tuesday.

In a neutral site where he has dominated before, winning his first Super Bowl, Manning knows what it tastes like to own another piece of hardware. But suddenly, the team he braced during his childhood is the New Orleans Saints.

Since he plays for the Indianapolis Colts, Manning has to shatter the hearts of enthusiastic sports fans who are prepared to host a block party on Bourbon Street by the end of Sunday night, if the Saints win their first Super Bowl for the first time in a 42-year existence. But he wouldn’t be human if he’s unsympathetic about what a spiritual town has suffered, and instead he would be inhumane to think otherwise.

In his hometown, a city that was ravaged and deprived when Hurricane Katarina was viewed as a devastating tragedy, Manning still cares deeply about a childhood community that has dealt with much affliction. But this week, at Media Day rather, it seems Manning was the center of attention. Unlike his father, his legacy is already being viewed as an ideal one.

Unlike his father, his popularity has the Manning family prouder than the days Archie served as Saints’ quarterback. That’s because Peyton has accomplished more than the average quarterback, breaking historic marks his father never even came close to shattering. He has attained more plateaus, whether it was done individually or as a team. Even greater, he has won a Super Bowl title, a divine moment Archie couldn’t even master.

To some, it’s too bad he’s not quarterbacking the Saints, while for others it’s truly a pleasure that he has become the hallmark of the Indianapolis Colts. Beyond all, though, he’s a symbol of the NFL, channeling the beauty of team effort and popularity among fans. He’s liked much for his positive beliefs on the game and for his shrewd garnering of a positive consciousness on the game. He’s liked much for his humbleness as he is generous of crediting and praising teams.

In comparison, he’s like his father whenever teamwork and diligence plays a role. Never does a day pass without Peyton having grace or a gigantic smile on his face. Those are similarities of Archie, who wore smiles, gracious and appreciative of a famous career. But it turns out Peyton is the famous one, the noticeable specimen.

If you’ve forgotten and been brainwashed of all the unprecedented seasons Peyton has effectuated, there’s his brother, Eli. Remember the Giants' quarterback who drove New York to a Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLII? Oh well, the older sibling gets the nod, always.

Nonetheless, the irony is, Peyton plays for a winningest franchise in the smallish town, where the masses worships. He’s justified as a gifted icon, idolized in community where he has nearly delivered and conducted perfection. And in sports, he’s the ultimate megastar orchestrating prowess and sheer understanding of rhythm.

Quite amazingly, it defies logic whenever there’s a single superstar well-liked for his endearing humor and defining the truth of humanity. Believe it or not, he’s the perfectionist of pro football, reaching a climax just about every season. Because of his artistic capabilities, it's not difficult to say he’s a unique quarterback.

Rarely does anyone win multiple MVP awards, or capture noteworthy milestones. Fortunately, he has endured splendor greater than other NFL figures. As we know, winning his second championship in four years will define his legacy. But in the meantime, a legacy is irrelevant as people tend to wander off, debating his legacy. Now is the appropriate time to argue that Peyton’s legacy is more prominent than Archie’s.

On Sunday, the country will either gather around the nearest television or sit in the nosebleed section or front row at Sun Life Stadium to see how it all unfolds. There’s no arguing Peyton is among the elite greats, listed in the same category as Joe Montana, Brett Favre and Dan Marino. To his advantage, now is the perfect time to imprint a legacy everyone is dwelling on. For all the babbling about Peyton’s legacy, winning the Super Bowl is clearly the solution to transcending upon a regal reputation. However, he doesn’t classify himself as a premier quarterback, even though there’s a semblance. But if you know him, he’s a modest man and doesn’t believe in giving himself praise.

See, he took after his father.

Either way, he’s in good position to strengthen his legacy. That starts, of course, by winning a second title, along with the individual accolades. By virtue, he owns almost every NFL passing record. The Colts are favorites to win the big game, simply because of their experience, despite the presence of Jim Caldwell, a rookie head coach, and the presence of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, two young receivers. Anything is bound to happen when a quarterback makes a supporting cast better by hurling passes and finding the open receiver. He’ll probably find top target Reggie Wayne for some mind-blowing completions. And if so, they may result in a touchdown.

Take note: Long ago, Peyton became the lovable icon of a franchise that has been loyal to him. Long ago, Peyton was viewed as the brand of a franchise. Maybe that answers the questions on why owner Jim Irsay, addressed the media on Media Day, suggesting that he’s soon expecting to sign Manning to the richest deal in NFL history. Sure enough, it will make him the highest-paid player in league history.

So as it stands, he’s the most dignified athlete, enough to make Archie proud.

Reggie Bush's Show Is Bigger Than Life

Given the fortune of meeting the biggest stage in his lifetime, Reggie Bush’s time to shine is now. Of course, this week’s storyline circles around Peyton Manning’s legacy, neglecting Bush’s newborn career.

In reality, he’s on a quest, not only to win a Super Bowl, but to prove to skeptics that he’s the top-notch running back we anticipated since entering the NFL, where he hasn’t made much of a noticeable difference.

We revere Bush’s athleticism on the pro level, refusing to verify he’s a bust. I’ll argue he has potential, expecting him to create a breakout performance in the Super Bowl.

Bush defined greatness druing his sensational college career. Now, fans are hoping to witness some of the similarities he effectuated at USC, during the NFL's greatest game on Sunday.

In college there were many days optimists voted for Bush, not to rule the country, but to win the Heisman Trophy. He won the precious stiff-armed statue, proving to us that he was the electric tailback of college football. His accomplishments were unparalleled, includng an open field dash, where Bush lost his cleats, to complete a hair-raising touchdown.

During his time spent on campus, he became the centerpiece of USC, but since departing the school, he never made a scene on the pro level.

We’ve waited for Bush to break ankles, find the gaps, force miss tackles and elude the pressure of bulldozing defenses. Maybe he’ll finally shine in the most important game of his lifetime. Maybe he’ll flourish in Miami, where the world will have its eyes glued to the the game.

For now, he’s still noticed as the disappointing one. Since being selected at the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft four years ago, he’s still noticed as the overrated bust, but the way I see it, he’s not a bust.

He still has much potential and could blossom any time soon, including Sunday, when many hope he will produce and return to the valuable cornerstone player he once was.

“All I want to do is be the best player ever to play this game, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t feel that way,” said Bush. “If I didn’t feel that way when I step on the field, I’d be selling myself short.”

Of all people, the captivating residents of New Orleans are hopeful he’ll emerge as a stud, or even greater, as the Super Bowl MVP. Bush is not yet a celeb bust, but a tailback still angling to find himself and establish a righteous identity on the NFL level.

He’s respected and highly regarded by many, so people anticipated that he would make an impact straight out of college. But sometimes, it just takes a few seasons to adapt and transition.

Critics should give the guy a break. Although, maybe the criticism is good for Bush. There are players who feed off criticism. I’m sure Bush fathoms that critics are centering on his fortitude and heart of the game. I’m sure he grasps that critics are focusing heavily on statistics, rather than wins. I’m sure he understands that critics are concerned about the relationship between him and Kim.

“I’ve always been my biggest critic. I haven’t lived up to the expectations I set for myself,” said Bush. “Before I got to the NFL, I thought it would be the Super Bowl every year, make the Pro Bowl every year. You discover it’s hard. It’s hard to get to the Super Bowl. I’ve been in the league four years and just got here. There’s a lot of great players who never get to the Super Bowl. I haven’t lived up to the expectations, but I know it will come."

He’s equipped to be the best player in the game.

His speed is indescribable, but his lethargy at times is hurtful. The awareness is fine, but his lack of aplomb is a crisis. The athleticism is good, but not great, hindered at times by knee injuries.

He missed 12 of his last 48 regular-season games, rushing for only 1,940 yards in four years. Now, he has a chance to reach the highest goal by winning the Super Bowl. And now, he has a chance of proving he deserves high-regards.

The thrilled residents of New Orleans are hopeful that he’ll emerge. If so, he will be described as a savior and may even ascend upon the Saints legacy. There is no doubt that he’s an idol, folks on Bourbon Street love rooting him on, but they are waiting for Bush to break through...

No better place or time than the Super Bowl.