“The NFL is the epitome of conditional love.” - Derwin Gray, former NFL player and Senior Pastor of Transformation Church

Sources close to the Indianapolis Colts have confirmed that the team is going to release 4-time MVP and arguably the greatest quarterback ever, Peyton Manning.  I really struggle with this decision.

You see, I am a leader and I understand hard decisions.  But at my core, in my heart, I am an idealist.

  • I am extremely loyal.
  • I feel we should honor and take care of those who built the platform we stand on.
  • Peyton rescued that franchise from the dumpster fire it was.
  • Peyton, in essence, built their new domed stadium.
  • He led them to a Super Bowl championship.
  • And most importantly, he literally gave up his body for that team.

He deserves better.  And so does anyone else who have given years of their life to an organization only to be ceremoniously sent packing when you are no longer deemed worth the price of your salary.

Once again, I understand the $28 million decision, the salary cap, and that change is inevitable.  It does not mean I have to like it.

Do you know my real fear – It is that one day someone is going to come to me, and no matter what all I have done for the organization, no matter the sacrifices I have made, no matter the revenue I have generated, no matter the lives I have impacted, they are going to release me with non-emotional, clinical precision.

Oh, they will try to be nice about it.  A nice lunch.  A speech about God’s providential will.  A pretty certificate.  And then a box to put my items in as security escorts me out of the building.

If you do not think this is a harsh reality, then you must read the first chapter of Tony Dungy’s book Quiet Strength when he was fired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I absolutely love the NFL but nothing is perfect.  The following are the Top 5 things I do not like about the incredible sport of professional football:

  1. Conditional Love – There is no loyalty.  Joe Montana should have never worn a Chiefs jersey.  Emmitt Smith should have never worn a Cardinals jersey.  Should I go on about Jerry Rice, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Brett Favre, and others.
  2. Thursday Night Games – We do not need one every week.
  3. Chris Berman being part of the NFL Draft coverage.
  4. Roger Goodell has too much disciplinary power.
  5. Hall Of  Fame Voting Process – How can Cortez Kennedy and Chris Doleman make the Hall while Cris Carter, Tim Brown, and Bill Parcells do not.  We need to have the criteria defined.

The things I love far outweigh the five things I struggle with.  But I really struggle with point #1.

I understand the decision on Manning from a leadership standpoint.  I just do not have to like it.

The reality is that none of us OWN our positions.  They are temporary and we are stewards.  Steward your position well while you have it.

Leaders, how do you feel about the decision on Manning?  How do you feel when the pillars of your organization are forced to move on?  How do you feel knowing that one day it may be you who is forced to move on?

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