Retired Numbers

Earlier this week, the Denver Broncos signed quarterback Peyton Manning. One of the first questions (besides "what is going to happen to Tim Tebow?") was "what number is he going to wear?"


When he played for Indianapolis, Manning wore the number 18. However, the Denver Broncos had already retired the number in honor of former quarterback Frank Tripucka.

Frank Tripucka

When a player leaves a large enough impact on a franchise, the franchise will honor that player by retiring his number, not allowing another player playing for that franchise to ever wear it again.


So, this rule meant that Manning could not wear 18 as long as he played for the Broncos. However, when asked about this, Tripucka claimed that he would be perfectly fine with allowing Manning to wear the number if he joined the team. Sure enough, when Manning was introduced by the Broncos, he was presented with a number 18 jersey.

This has created controversy on Manning's character. Many believe that it was selfish for Manning to take the number, and that he should have respected Tripucka's place in Broncos history. In response to these claims, Manning stated that he "[feels] like he really wants me to wear his number," and that he is "honored to wear his number..."


This hasn't changed the fact that Manning appears to be selfish for needing to wear the number 18. I am one of these people who think Manning lacks class for wearing the number. Of course Tripucka would "want" Manning to wear his number. It is a common courtesy to do something like that. However, it is also a common courtesy to acknowledge the importance of the number and have politely turned down the offer. If that had been done, both men would have looked good to the public. Instead, Manning now has taken on the appearance of just another sports diva who needs to get his way.