What kind of guy is Peyton Manning?

By Tom Quiner

Ashley & Peyton Manning

Who is the Denver Bronco star quarterback famous for his devout Christianity?

Most people would say Tim Tebow.

They could have answered Peyton Manning. Manning is more low-key in his faith life, but this guy clearly loves Christ, as he writes in his book, “Manning:”

“For me generally it had always been the big four: faith, family, friends, and football. . . . as important as football is to me, it can never be higher than fourth. My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old.

Some players get more vocal about it . . . and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism.

I’ve been blessed—having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight.

But I consider myself fortunate to be able to go to Him for guidance, and I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him. . . . I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way.”

He and his wife, Ashley formed a foundation in 1999 called Peyback that has donated $10 million to youth organizations which puts their Christian faith into action.

Here’s what their website says they do:

Denver Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning established the PeyBack Foundation in 1999 to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for children at risk.

The PeyBack Foundation has provided more than $10 million of impact to at risk youth through its grants and programs since its inception to Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana and Tennessee.

The Foundation supports numerous organizations and programs through its grant program, but also operates and funds several of its own programs for underprivileged children.

The Foundation carefully selects programs that it can support financially and considers the grant program a partnership with these organizations, not just an exchange of money. The Foundation has become a consistent and viable part of these four communities in terms of underprivileged children.

Readers of this blog know I’m a big Peyton Manning fan for his football abilities. I’m an even bigger fan of his abilities as a humanitarian.