Why We Get Riled About Peyton Manning

Love him, hate him--everyone has a take on the Super Bowl--bound quarterback. Here's why we hope he loses

Matt Sullivan / Reuters

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning attempts a pass in the first quarter against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship game in Indianapolis, January 21, 2007.

There is something about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning that just gets people worked up. His singularly impressive statistics, his enormous contract, his ubiquitous TV commercials--all add up to, well, what exactly? To fans, he's a telegenic superstar. To detractors, he's overexposed and overrated. After all, he has never won the Super Bowl. Even after his finest moment as a pro, throwing for 347 yds. in a 38-34 comeback win over the archrival New England Patriots in the game that will give Manning a chance to win the big one, the critics can't resist piling on. "Pretend he's the only reason...

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