Former Broncos QB Peyton Manning gave rookie Lloyd Cushenberry some valuable tips.
Peyton Manning is an NFL legend and a wealth of football knowledge no matter what position you play.
The Broncos surprised their 2020 rookie class with a visit from Peyton Manning in one of their final Zoom OTA meetings, and Manning apparently shared with the incoming rookies some things they can implement to succeed at the NFL level.
Manning is the ultimate example of preparation and hard work off the field translating to transcendental success on the field, so his knowledge is incredibly valuable.
Manning offered the rookies the opportunity to ask questions at one point during his time visiting with them, and one way you can spot a leader in a crowd is whether or not they are a learner.
Leaders never assume they are the smartest in the room, and leaders always take an opportunity to learn.
It’s encouraging that rookie center Lloyd Cushenberry III, lauded for his leadership and intangibles at LSU, took initiative and was one of the rookies to pick Manning’s brain, asking him specifically about what separates the great centers Manning played with from others, and Manning gave him some great insight.
From a quarterback’s perspective, the center’s toughness, intelligence, and dependability are important. Manning noted his time with former Colts center Jeff Saturday and talked about how it’s important for Cushenberry to come in and ‘learn what the quarterback sees’.
That was a fascinating note and a really great tip for Cushenberry. The communication between a center and a quarterback is essential. From the timing of the snap to the protection calls at the line of scrimmage, those two players have to be on the same page.
The value of Peyton Manning’s football experience is still benefitting the Denver Broncos even four years past his time actually playing for the team.