12/22/24
September 13, 2002
NFL says no to Manning's tribute to Unitas.: In its usual No Fun League fashion, the league rejected Indy Colts QB Peyton Manning's request to honor the passing of Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas. The QB ordered and planned to wear Unitas' trademark black tops on Sunday against Miami.
The NFL's statement said that "no team other than the Baltimore Ravens will be allowed to wear a patch or armband on their uniforms" on Sunday.
Well I guess since they only let Chicago do it with Payton it makes sense. I would have let Manning do it being the Colts but the Ravens are the team in Baltimore right now so who the heck knows!
posted by carbs at 10:27 PM on September 13, 2002
How asinine is that? Unitas was only one of the greatest players in NFL history. Baseball aren't marketing geniuses but at least they properly honored Ted Williams and Jackie Robinson. They don't even care if players playing against the St. Louis Cardinals put #57 (D. Kyle) on their hats.
posted by shackbar at 12:13 AM on September 14, 2002
As I understand from radio guys this week, Unitas would have nothing to do with the Colts franchise after it moved to Indy, and became close to the Ravens franchise instead. That is to say, he would might be pissed if the (Indianapolis) Colts tried to claim him as their own by wearing a commemorative patch or whatever.
posted by mbd1 at 09:35 AM on September 14, 2002
On reading about this, I really don't understand the league's position. What does it matter if Manning, the Ravens or anyone else wants to do something in Unitas' memory? He is one of the all-time best, and an inspiration to many of today's QBs. Also, why do the Ravens get to do something? If anyone should be able to do anything, it should be the Colts. Ya know, with that whole team connection and all.