When Peyton Manning steps on stage as the host of the 2017 ESPYS Wednesday night, fans everywhere can expect to be entertained by the deadpan humor Manning has become famous for. Whether by way of skits on Saturday Night Live or one of the many commercials in which Manning appears on an almost daily basis, his presence in American pop culture is renowned.
Manning has delivered his fair share of comedic value over his career, including his four years here in Denver. Here are four things that Denver fans in particular would love to see from Manning at the 2017 ESPYS.
A Broncos-themed suit
Manning is not afraid of rocking some bold combinations when it comes to his attire, including this dapper suit at the 2015 ESPYS. Broncos fans everywhere would enjoy the signal caller donning the orange and blue on center stage.
A reenactment of his ‘Rocky Top’ dance
Prior to the 2014 season, Manning’s training camp dance moves caught the attention of fans nationwide. While teammates were stretching, Manning let loose when ‘Rocky Top’ played throughout Dove Valley. The University of Tennessee alum was unable to resist dancing to the Vols theme song, even getting teammate Wes Welker to join in. If the bluegrass plays through the speakers Wednesday night, Manning might not be able to contain his dancing fever.
A shot at Tom Brady
Brady-Manning is quite possibly the most famous individual rivalry in the history of professional football. The two battled head-to-head 17 times in Manning’s NFL career, with Brady coming out on top 11-6. However, Manning never lost to Brady in the playoffs as a member of the Broncos, defeating him in two AFC Championship games. With Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots up for several awards, there will be plenty of opportunities for The Sheriff to take a friendly jab at his counterpart.
Something to the tune of the ‘Nationwide’ jingle
Of Manning’s many sponsors, none may be more recognizable than Nationwide. Even after retirement, Manning is famously known for saying ordinary things to the tune of the Nationwide jingle. Come the ESPYS, it would surprise nobody if Manning did so again. And if he did so while taking a jab at Tom Brady, wearing a blue and orange suit and dancing to ‘Rocky Top’, Denver might just lose its mind.