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Former Vol Peyton Manning has a long history with the ESPY Awards

By Caleb Calhoun

Mar 18, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts retired quarterback Peyton Manning speaks after he has his jersey is retired and a announcement is made that a statue will be built in his honor during in a press conference at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts retired quarterback Peyton Manning speaks after he has his jersey is retired and a announcement is made that a statue will be built in his honor during in a press conference at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Peyton Manning will host this year’s ESPY awards show, where he’s been honored with the Tennessee Volunteers, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.

It’s now common knowledge that former Tennessee Vols quarterback and retired NFL legend Peyton Manning is set to host the ESPYS this year, after his first full year of not playing football.

The setting will be all too familiar for the quarterback, a guy who has been a part of numerous ESPY awards across different teams.

Manning has won nine ESPYS and been nominated 19 times in his career. He won one with the Tennessee Vols in 1998 for Best College Football Player, four with the Indianapolis Colts, and four with the Denver Broncos.

He won Best NFL Player and Best Record-Breaking Performance three times each.

Other ESPY awards for him include Best Championship Performance in 2007 and the Icon Award in 2016.

Now, he gets to see more ESPY recognition by showcasing his well-known talent off-the-field: comedy.

This should go very well considering Manning’s history. The guy was hilarious hosting Saturday Night Live in 2007, and you can bet he’ll have no problem making fun of himself at the event as well.

In fact, there’s already some easy material to work with in that area. For starters, Peyton Manning’s rival while on the field, Tom Brady, is coming off his fifth ring.

On top of that, Manning has another ESPY connection that dates back to 1996. And it’s not a good one.

Memphis Tigers kick returner Kevin Cobb won an ESPY for a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, when he appeared to be down way back in Memphis territory. That return became the difference in the only game the Tigers ever beat the Vols in football, as they won 21-17.

Manning was on the field that day.

Want another connection? Manning is a Tennessee legend with well-liked goofy humor, just like Justin Timberlake.

JT hosted the ESPYS in 2008 and was a huge success. He and Manning have done commercials together. Both have also hosted SNL.

Now, it’s time for Manning to upstage him with this show. And given his history, he’s bound to do well.

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