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Postcards to Peyton Manning: Well wishes, goodbyes, memories and thanks

The city pours its heart out to Peyton Manning as he heads to the Super Bowl in what might be his final NFL game.

Dana Hunsinger Benbow
dana.benbow@indystar.com
Peyton Manning waves to the crowd in November 2008 after beating the New England Patriots 18-15.

Jim Irsay is adamant. Peyton Manning deserves another Super Bowl ring. So he wrote him a postcard letting Manning know that.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson hopes Manning has figured out how to address the president of the United States. So he wrote him a postcard teasing him about it.

Larry Griggers, owner of the Indianapolis steak house Manning loved to sneak into after a big game wonders whether Manning might return to Indy after he retires. And be crowned Grand Poobah. So he told him that in a postcard.

As Manning suits up to play what many are predicting will be his final NFL game Sunday, IndyStar reached out to some of his biggest fans seeking postcards to Peyton.

Postcards from the city where he is beloved — and not forgotten. Postcards with memories, thanks, congratulations, well wishes and goodbyes. Take a look:

Colts owner Jim Irsay, left, and president Bill Polian congratulate Peyton Manning on winning the 2008 NFL MVP during a halftime ceremony.

Peyton,

You deserve to hoist the trophy again, and we're all pulling for you. You've made so many special moments and memories for your Colts family — and it's YOUR TIME once more!

Jim (Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner)

Peyton Manning greets Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson during the groundbreaking for Lucas Oil Stadium in 2005.

Dear Peyton,

I'll never forget when we were standing in a small group getting ready to meet President (George W.) Bush in Indianapolis, and you turned to me and asked how to address him. By now, I'm sure you are an expert at speaking with presidents! I sincerely hope you and your Broncos teammates get the chance to do it at the White House this year — but please go into the Hall of Fame as a Colt!

Best, Bart (Peterson, mayor of Indianapolis 2000-2008)

Manning fought back emotions on March 7, 2012, the day he was released after 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Dear Peyton,

In March 2012, with your voice quivering, you announced: “I’m not leaving Indianapolis, I’m leaving the Colts.” Today’s Indy is due in large part to you. Nationally televised games promoted Indy on the national stage. A new stadium led to hosting a Super Bowl. The word “Indianapolis” was attached to your clean, winning image. Priceless marketing value. As your game soared, so did Indy’s brand. On Sunday, we’ll all be wearing our No. 18 jerseys, and little fans inside the hospital you built will be staying up late to cheer you on.

With appreciation and love from the city of Indy, Chris Gahl, on behalf of Visit Indy

Larry Griggers, owner of several Ruth's Chris Steak Houses in the Midwest, got to know Manning when he came in for a big juicy steak at his Northside location.

Peyton,

Whenever you retire we have the perfect spot for you — Mayor of Indianapolis.  A guaranteed “shoe-in”!  Actually, in Indy you could probably be crowned Emperor or Grand Poobah. See you again at your St. Vincent’s Gala in March. 

Larry Griggers and your friends at Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Peyton Manning and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels talk at Manning's annual PeyBack Bowl at Woodland Bowl in 2004.

Peyton,

Nobody ever had a higher ratio of talent to ego.  I hope every young man in Indiana paid close attention to your example.  Here’s to a big win on Sunday.

P.S. Cheri says you can’t retire unless you have a deal to keep making commercials.

Mitch (Daniels, Indiana governor from 2005-2013)

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos sent Kari Barnett Bollig the official photo she had taken with her football hero and her husband, Ed.

Dear Peyton,

Throughout your career, you have inspired people to be the best they can be despite the circumstances. You have shown that hard work and determination pays off. Should this be your last season on the field, you will continue to touch people's lives for many more years to come. I was honored to have met you in September. You truly are a gentle giant. Best of luck to you and the rest of the Broncos on Sunday.

Your friend, Kari Bollig (who was got a surprise visit from Manning as she battles breast cancer)

Myra Borshoff Cook is an Indianapolis legend of public relations, taking on high-profile clients, such as Indianapolis Colts owner Jim  Irsay. She is shown here in 2010.

Peyton:

Your arrival in Indianapolis in 1998 started a transformation in Indiana that engaged the entire state in a football frenzy, specifically for the Colts. Hoosier pride in the Indianapolis Colts is attributable to your talent, your leadership and your passion for doing the right thing. Today, Indianapolis has its one and only Lombardi Trophy and the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, thanks to you. Know that all Colts fans will be rooting for you on Sunday. And when and if you hang up those cleats, don’t be a stranger to our city. You will always be an Indianapolis Colt to us and WE LOVE YOU, PEYTON!!!

Myra Borshoff (Jim Irsay's public relations guru)

Tony Pancake tees off on the 12th hole at the Indianapolis Open at Brickyard Crossing in 2011.

Peyton:

Good luck in this weekend’s 50th Super Bowl!  Given what you have done in your Hall of Fame career, it’s only fitting that you are playing in such a historic game for the NFL. Win or lose, you are a great champion and, most importantly, an inspirational role model for people around the world. Thank you for the great memories on Sunday afternoons (especially those 4th-quarter comebacks) and for the impact you have had in our community. You are a class act!

Tony Pancake, director of golf and club operations, Crooked Stick Golf Club

Peyton Manning is known as "Papa John" in Denver. He owns 21 Papa John's franchises and has been the spokesman for the pizza company, starring in many commercials with CEO and founder John Schnatter.

Peyton:

As part of the Papa John’s family, not only are you a successful franchisee, you're also a trusted friend who exemplifies quality on and off the field. From playmaker to pizza maker, you’ve always carried yourself with honor and integrity, and I look forward to working with you for many years to come. Your entire Papa John’s family wishes you and your teammates good luck as you play in the momentous Super Bowl 50. 

"Papa John" Schnatter and your Papa John’s family

Allison Melangton, head of the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee, talks to the media.

To Peyton,

Without you Indianapolis would not have earned the right to host Super Bowl XLVI. Your play and community service laid the foundation for Indy to grow its love of football and allow us to stage the game’s most important event. Without you, there would have been no Lombardi trophy on the JW Marriott, no Super Bowl Village as the Epicenter of Awesome, no Super Scarves, no Georgia Street, no Near Eastside Legacy project, no 32 IndyCars in NFL team colors on the circle photographed around the globe and no economic impact of $278 million. Best of luck this weekend as you go for your second Super Bowl championship!  On behalf of our community and the 13,000 Super Bowl volunteers — you’ll always be our Super Hero! 

Allison Melangton, former president and CEO, 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.