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Weeks before the opening kickoff, the media had already written the script for Super Bowl XLI. Regardless of which team won the game, we knew the front-page story would be all about Peyton Manning, and whether or not he'd finally "gotten the monkey off his back."

The media's obsession with Peyton Manning and his little monkey reinforces an unfortunate trend: sports are becoming more about the Individual and less about the Team. Manning has always been a selfish player. At no time was this more obvious than it was in 2004, when his fixation with Dan Marino's single-season passing record eclipsed his commitment to the team. The quarterback seemed as worried about his statistics that year as he was about winning football games. Down the stretch even Indy's offensive coordinator followed suit, calling for pass plays in goal-line situations. (Notice how Edgerrin James scored fewer touchdowns that year). Had Manning been less selfish in 2004, maybe 2007 would have been his SECOND Super Bowl win.

In the 2007 playoffs, Manning finally put the team before himself; his teammates, in response to his unprecedented selflessness, played with a level of intensity they had lacked in the past. The Colts' defense, which had been questionable all season, forced five turnovers in the big game. Both of Indy's running backs overachieved as well, as Joseph Addai caught ten passes and Domenique Rhodes rushed for over a hundred yards.

I can understand the inclination to feel happy for Peyton Manning; it's always inspiring when someone triumphs over personal adversity. But I am taken aback at how many people are saying, "He deserved it." Peyton Manning (as an Individual) does not deserve it. His Team does indeed deserve the Super Bowl ring it earned. In the end, however, it was the same old story: Manning's teammates came through for him, and the superstar QB took all the glory. It is shameful that whoever selects the Super Bowl MVP lacked the courage to reward team play.

Learn more about this author, M. Frederick Voorhees.
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