With the announcement of Peyton Manning's retirement, the NFL and its fans bid farewell to one of the game's all-time greats. Manning's presence on and off the field during his 18-year career left a lasting impression on the league, and his legacy, as well as records, will be remembered for generations to come. But it wasn't just Manning's football acumen that made him a national sports icon. It was also his willingness to poke fun at himself and let loose in the pop culture realm. In honor of the future Hall of Famer, here are five of Peyton Manning's best pop culture moments.
5. Peyton's Musical Side
I think it was Mozart who said, "The family that raps together, stays together." Or maybe that was Beethoven (the dog, not the composer). Either way, Peyton and his brother Eli showed off their musical chops in this hilarious rap video that features perms, acid wash jeans and Manning family patriarch, Archie, in a super fly outfit. Peyton may be riding off into retirement, but I think it's safe to say we won't be seeing Manning performing a duet with Kanye anytime soon.
4. The Nationwide Man
Peyton's always displayed a dry sense of humor. It's that deadpan delivery that has, "Chicken parm, you taste so good," stuck in your head. But the more recent might be the best. Not because it was the funniest, but because of the potential foreshadowing. Now retired, Peyton has a lot more time on his hands. Going to the theater alone and playing table tennis with the neighborhood kids is very likely.
3. DirecTV
Peyton will go down as one of the greatest of all-time. It's hard to imagine football over the last two decades without him. The sports world is better off without the high-pitched voice Peyton Manning, however. While the Broncos and Colts are grateful for the real Peyton, the Four Tunesmen are likely very unemployed.
2. "Cut that meat!"
Fans love chanting and shouting at players during football games, but what happens when the tables are turned? In this MasterCard commercial Peyton goes out into the world and cheers on people as they go about their everyday lives. Filling up your gas tank and going to the deli will never be the same.
1. Saturday Night Live: United Way
2007 was a good year for Peyton Manning. In February of that year he led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears, and that fall he took his talents to the stage of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City to host "Saturday Night Live." One of the most memorable sketches was his United Way digital short. Every kid needs a mentor, right?
