Peyton Manning
Did you expect it to be anyone else? Perhaps one of the best quarterbacks to play in this generation of players, Peyton Manning spent his first 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Every time the Broncos played him in the postseason, it was a nightmare. But I know I did not have any bad feelings towards him.
After his neck surgeries, the Colts decided to release him. He became probably the most sought after free agent in years. He ultimately chose to play for the Denver Broncos. They were coming off an 8-8 season that saw them win a playoff game in pure Tim Tebow magic. But it was apparent the team needed a strong quarterback.
My friends will always remember me as the one who was upset not because of acquiring Manning but that it led to Tebow’s release. But as I will mention, it did lead to something amazing.
In his four years as a Bronco, Manning led the team to a number one seed in the AFC playoffs in three of the four years he was there. He also helped the Broncos win four AFC West titles, two AFC Championship titles, and one Super Bowl win.
Manning got to go out on top as a champion. It truly helped bring Broncos Country the title that they had been looking to acquire again for nearly two decades. All of his time with the Denver Broncos involved breaking records and bringing the Broncos back to promise for a while. That is why Peyton Manning will always be the Broncos free agent that had the most impact on the franchise.