Jim Irsay says 'um' 127 times during six minute 'Peyton' speech

From the time Indianapolis Colts president Jim Irsay began today's Peyton Manning press conference by saying," We're here to announce the conclusion of Peyton's playing career with the Colts and honor all the incredible memories..." and finished by handing over the podium to the departing Colts quarterback "for a few more words," he uttered the sound "um" or "uh" 127 times during his 5 minute and 57 second speech.

Not to be hatin' on the Colts boss— it was an emotional moment for both him and Manning— but by the time he got through saying "The No. 18 jersey will never be worn again by a Colt on the field" and Manning "will always be part of the  horseshoe," I was "ummed" out.

It was a classy press conference with no drum rolls or brass bands and the perfect way for a big-time NFL star to leave a small-market city.

When Manning addressed the Colts fans and said, "Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback," it was hard not to see through the toughness of a grateful man.

The New York Giants would love to have Peyton but we already have little brother Eli.

Vintage 1894 football card found in farmhouse; Player resembles Peyton Manning

The oldest known football card ever seen was found by a man cleaning out a Kentwood, Mich. farmhouse and headed to the trash until he decided to take it to a sports card dealer.

Good thing.  The vintage 1894 card— considered the "Holy Grail" of football cards— bears the likeness of Harvard's John Dunlop and was appraised at a value of  $10,000.

The card is labeled "Anonymous" because it doesn't bear Dunlop's name but the sepia-toned headshot does have a strange resemblance to Peyton Manning.

Could it be?  It feels like that whole saga between the Indianapolis Colts quarterback and team owner Jim Irsay started about 118 years ago too.

                                                             

The unidentified man found the rare card— along with 35 other cards of mostly boxers including one of the all-time greats John Sullivan— in an old notebook while emptying out the home after a death in the family.

Experts said the vintage card was issued by the Mayo Tobacco Works of Richmond, Virginia and is part  of a set considered to be the first and rarest collection of football cards ever printed.

All of the cards will be submitted for auction.

Manning's status is still in the air.