Our Story: An era has come to a close in the NFL, as the Indianapolis Colts have released quarterback Peyton Manning and will presumably use their No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. This has been a long time coming, of course, after Manning missed all of the 2011 season after undergoing a third neck surgery. Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay held an emotional farewell press conference in Indianapolis Thursday. Manning will now continue his rehab and look to continue his career elsewhere.
Our song: This wasn’t an ugly breakup — both Manning and Irsay repeatedly voiced the respect and admiration they have for each other at their press conference — but it’s still a breakup. It’s a breakup for the Colts, who rode Manning to relevance, a Super Bowl title and a new stadium in downtown Indianapolis that just hosted the Super Bowl. It’s a breakup for Manning, who has never known another franchise, never worn anything other than Colts blue. And it’s a breakup for the fans, those who came to see Manning as not just their quarterback but their identity. And now the fans must find another quarterback, another star to represent their town. For them, we must turn to John Mayer, the author of songs about drunk love and love gone astray, performing “I’m gonna find another you.”
Key lyric: When I was your lover, no one else would do. If I’m forced to find another, I hope she looks like you…