Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the sidelines with offensive coordinator Adam Gase late in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 39-33. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t freak out. Peyton Manning isn’t sleeping with the enemy.
In fact, Nick Saban considers Peyton Manning a long-time friend.
Of course that won’t make Vol fans feel any better about their legendary quarterback crossing into enemy territory for some “football talk”.
Manning recently visited Tuscaloosa with Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
Gase worked under Saban at Michigan State and LSU, before making the jump to the NFL.
Manning, according to AL.com, was making some visits and took the trip to Alabama to better himself as a football player.
The above mentioned article says that Manning was interested in discussing football with Saban, while the Crimson Tide head coach asked Manning about no-huddle offenses and which defenses give him trouble.
While Alabama and Tennessee fans may hate each other, it’s clear that those actually involved in the rivalry don’t quite harbor the same feelings of animosity.
So there’s no need to rescind Manning’s “VFL card”, he just happens to love the game of football as much as he loves Tennessee.
I know that might be a hard concept for the folks on Rocky Top to grasp.