Jeff Saturday (63) and Peyton Manning were paired together for over a decade.
Jeff Saturday will be spotlighted Monday night during the Colts’ primetime clash with the New York Jets.
From undrafted, to Peyton Manning’s most dependable teammate, Saturday was the face of the Colts’ offensive line for more than a decade. For his stability, strength, smarts, and leadership during the best years in Colts franchise history, Saturday will be added to the Colts Ring of Honor inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
The duo of Manning and Saturday featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine.
As a center, he’s not a guy that received a lot of attention. If anyone on the offensive line, it’s usually the left tackle getting the most attention because he protects the quarterback’s blindside. Saturday received much more than most because of his talent … and mostly because he was snapping to Peyton, one of the best to ever play the position.
Saturday was a dependable man on the frontline — from 1999-2011 with the Colts, 14 seasons overall — who was thoughtful and helped to hold his teammates accountable. He made the Pro Bowl six times, was part of the Colts’ Super Bowl victory in 2007 — remember his fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown in the AFC Title game? — , and one of the mainstays for the organization.
While Peyton-Marvin-Edge received the most attention, Peyton’s relationship with him was one of the most important things. They weren’t afraid to speak their mind and together, were a special duo. If you make your way to the stadium tonight, you are bound to see dozens of Saturday jerseys. (Although, Colts fans value underrated positions, like punter. Sales of Pat McAfee’s jersey are second only to quarterback Andrew Luck.)
Saturday appealed to many because he looked and seemed like just another guy. The bearded one would take his family to the Five Seasons Country Club and happily interact with others at the pool. He looked and acted like a regular guy.
For 63, this will be a special moment for him, his family, and his teammates. Without his former teammates, this isn’t possible. The Colts were so very special in the 2000s, seemingly winning double-digit games like clockwork. Rarely did you go into a game and not believe the Colts would come out on top, or at least have a really good shot.
Yes, they underachieved — only winning one Super Bowl. But it sure was memorable, and so fun to take in.
Peyton, Marvin, Edge, and coach Dungy. They’ll be Hall of Famers. One day.
Saturday may be considered, but it’s tough for centers. Tonight will be one of those very special nights in front of 67,000-plus screaming Colts fans, plus millions more watching on ESPN. I guarantee the network will highlight his induction because he serves as analyst on the Worldwide Leader. (And does a great job.)
Watch the feature below by RTV-6’s Dave Furst. He traveled to Bristol, Connecticut, home of ESPN, to look back with 63 on his career and what going into the Ring of Honor means to him.
[Photo via Yahoo! Sports]