Peyton and Irsay: When is the Saga Over?

When does this whole thing actually end?  I mean I guess you can only talk so much about it, and sit back to let it go on its own terms.  But what a weird ride for it.  And I think if you would have told me when Manning first was drafted that there was a possibility he wouldn't finish his career here, I would have laughed in your first.  But now it's leaning towards that and what a bad thing.  Indianapolis got lucky we had Reggie Miller stay his whole career with the Pacers, and here we could have Manning play his whole career with the Colts. How many cities could say something like that?  Two legends, hall of famers, ambassadors for the city, and whatever other adjective you want to attach, going out with the teams they came into.  That would be quite the story line in my own eyes, and I am sure one that could be brought up if it is going to happen.  Even if Manning is not a Colt, that is all we will remember him by.  It's like the comparison of Montana, does anyone truly remember his days with the Chiefs? Reading an article today Manning, Colts Should Work it Out really brought all of this to light for me. I knew that Montana left the 49ers and Steve Young took over, but was too young to understand why it actually happened. Guys like that, you keep, no matter what the price. I know that's definitely the fan speaking out in me, but what else am I? In the long run, anyone involved with sports is a fan of some team and some player.  No one wants to think about the long term goals and the idea that sports is ultimately a business.  We want our teams to win, players to stay there, players to get their status, and then those same players to ride off in the sunset on their own terms.  Then we celebrate the great careers of those guys with our teams.  Just think if this all does work out, and Manning can stay a Colt, retire in whatever year, and the celebration that would follow.  Remember the Reggie Miller one, where there wasn't a dry eye in the house, this one would be even bigger because Peyton did get that championship that eluded Reggie.  So like Gene Wojciechowski said in his article as the last lines, and one that every Colts fan should state:

"If healthy, Manning belongs in one place in 2012.

In Indianapolis. In Colts blue and white. The succession plan can wait."