Finally!

You expected heartbreak. Despite leading with one minute remaining, you expected Peyton Manning to lose. This year, his Indianapolis Colts were a regular season underachiever. They won two playoff contests with defense. Finally, their vaunted rival the New England Patriots, were the visiting team. The stars seemed aligned. Still, you expected Manning to lose.

He did not. Manning, the NFL’s greatest player, has won a conference championship. He will play in a Super Bowl.

Manning’s story is not unique. Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Donovan McNabb have never won a championship. However, they had started a Super Bowl. Their story also differs from Manning’s in another fact. One which made Manning’s inability to win a conference a tragic story. Potentially, Manning is the best quarterback ever. The greatest quarterback ever could not even achieve the Super Bowl. Until Sunday…

On February 4, Manning will start a Super Bowl. He many not win. At least, he will play.