Peyton Manning was the butt of a long-running joke during Hall of Fame ceremony
Tennessee Vols legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning couldn’t escape the jokes at the Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday in Canton.
Tennessee Vols legend and Hall of Famer Peyton Manning couldn’t escape the jokes at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Canton on Saturday.
Manning, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, was in attendance to support former Indianapolis Colts teammate Adam Vinatieri as he became just the third kicker inducted into the Hall of Fame in the modern era.
Vinatieri, who started his career with the New England Patriots, played with Manning in Indianapolis from 2006 to 2011.
During his speech, Vinatieri praised Manning as a teammate, but not before taking a playful jab at Peyton’s famously large forehead.
“Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter,” said Vinatieri. “A gigantic forehead means a big brain, and your football IQ is unmatched, buddy. The way you managed the offense, the team — everything in the entire organization — was incredible.
“Your leadership led this team to greatness. Most people know Peyton for his football mind, but I was lucky enough to know the person behind the helmet. He’s a great teammate, a great friend, and someone who truly cared about everyone in the locker room. I’m thankful our paths crossed, and I’m proud of everything we accomplished together.”
Manning, who has some incredible comedic chops, of course took the joke in stride.
Speaking of kickers and Manning, I’m guessing Peyton has Vinatieri a little higher on his list than former Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt.
Manning famously called Vanderjagt an “idiot kicker” in 2003.
