Congratulations Peyton Manning. Finally, you have stepped out of the shadow of your great father, Archie, and led the mighty Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI.

I know some might say you stepped out of the shadow long ago, but I’d have to disagree. I think it took this win, a Super Bowl win, to no longer be known as “Archie’s boy.” Look at your brother Eli – he will forever be known as “Peyton’s brother.”

Now, I have to be completely honest, I have always been one of your biggest doubters. Your constant whining and sour faces on the field have always turned me off. I never thought you could actually win the “Big One.”

Many journalists have ignored your childlike reactions and instead called it competitiveness, but I am not one of those writers. I know you’re a competitor, but when is it essary for a great player such as yourself to openly pout about the call of an official or the play of a teammate?

However, I would be totally wrong if I didn’t give you the credit you deserve. You are a lock for the Hall of Fame with or without this win. Honestly, what voter could imagine denying you that honor?

Also, your vision, dedication to greatness and pure athletic ability haven’t been seen in years, if ever at all. You finally topped New England Patriot Tom Brady who, I’m sorry to say, is still arguably the greatest big-game quarterback of our generation.

And you did win Super Bowl XLI. Wait, my mistake – the Indianapolis Colts won Super Bowl XLI. Head coach Tony Dungy, after many trials and tribulations, finally got the ring he deserves.

It’s kind of ironic, though, that your ring will have XLI somewhere on it because you truly are an extra large figure. The irony comes from the additional third character “I” which helped you get on top of the football world.

You had one great team led by one underappreciated coach, a defense that rose to the occasion and excelled in the playoffs when it mattered the most, and playmakers around you who will finally get their due. All of this is what pushed your XL hype over the hump and got you that “I” ring.