Meet the Autograph University Class of 2013 – Peyton Manning
In our inaugural Class of 2013 we have recognized six athletes who have gone above and beyond to accommodate autograph collectors over the course of their careers. Each of these friends of our hobby will receive an honorary degree from Autograph University as a token of our gratitude. Thank you to all the readers who submitted a nomination. We selected a very strong first class and I look forward to celebrating the very best signers with you each year.
CLASS OF 2013
- Bobby Doerr
- Virgil Trucks
- Bill Walton
- Pat Neshek
- Peyton Manning
- Josh Hamilton
Peyton Manning (’13)
As a Boston sports fan you’d think it’d be tough to honor Peyton Manning. But the fact is it’s more difficult not to like a guy who plays the game the right way and is so generous with fans. From tales of signing hundreds of autographs after training camp sessions to his TTM response rate (nearly 60% as reported by SportsCollectors.net) through his PeyBack Foundation, Manning stands in stark contrast to his foil in New England. While his playing days aren’t over, he’s been an exceedingly rare fan-friendly superstar over the course of his career and for that we honor him in our Class of 2013.
Have you received an autograph from Peyton Manning? Leave a comment and share your story with us.
I received this autographed photo TTM while Peyton was at Tennessee.
Back in the late 90’s, Bruce Arians (Arizona Cardinals HC) was the OC at Alabama. He used to play golf at the club I worked at so I got to know him a little. When he left Bama, he became the QB coach for the Colts. I saw him one year a couple weeks before camp opened. I asked him if I could send something to Peyton to get signed. Bruce said send it to him and he would get it signed. At the time, the best I could find was a 1998 Fleer Ultra RC with Peyton in his Vols uniform. It was actually perfect for me because I love the college uniforms! I got it back in less than two weeks! He signed with the “16” inscription in blue ink! It is beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your story and the pic Shane! Pic via Twitter: http://pic.twitter.com/nBFJPA1AlS
Does mr manning still sign autographs ttm? If so how can i get one?
Recently it looks like results through the Broncos and foundation have dried up a bit. I encourage you to check out SportsCollectors.net for updates from collectors who are sending to him.
I would take the slowdown in stride. The Peyback Foundation is based in Indy so getting to the mail isn’t as easy as it used to be. I’m sure he won’t let all the people who donated with their autograph request go without! He appeared to be just that kind of player. In the same vein, It took almost a year for me to get Neely back with my donation to the Neely house. Granted you could clearly see where they paper clipped the photo and it looks like it sat under a heavy mound of requests! I’d still send to Peyton the obligatory $10 I think is required for a signature. You never know, he might do something better for those who wait.
Back early in his career I sent a card to him via the Colts and received the card back within the month. One of the faster TTM signatures I have ever got back.