Future NFL Hall of Famer and superstar quarterback has sent a touching handwritten note and an autographed photo to the family of a teenage fan killed in March by a drunk driver. The letter was received by the family during the late fan's birthday week, various reports said.
Logan Brown of Evansville, Indiana was a big fan of Manning ever since he started playing for the Colts. Brown was killed in an accident in March involving a drunk driver. He was supposed to celebrate his 16th birthday on Tuesday, June 23, reported Pro Football Talk.
Brown's grandmother, Gayle Ricketts, wrote Manning to tell him about the death of one of his biggest fans. Rickets told Manning that Brown idolized the Denver Broncos quarterback since he saw him play when he was young, said Fox News.
Rickets said, "As a grandmother I felt like I should let Peyton know this young man idolized him and what he meant in his life."
This week, the family received one of the most important birthday gifts for Logan when they received Manning's handwritten letter and an autographed photo.
Manning wrote in the photo, "In memory of Logan Allen Brown." The football player also told the family that he was honored for Logan's admiration.
Charles Brown, Logan's father said the family was surprised that Manning took some time out to write the letter and sent his signed photograph. Charles commented, "To take the time to send something back to a situation in Evansville, Indiana that he probably doesn't know anything about. It's important to see that they're humans and for these other kids to see you never forget where you come from."
Despite his immense popularity, Manning takes pride in his Christian Faith. In a book titled Manning penned with his father, Peyton discusses his faith and how his deep belief in prayer has encouraged him throughout his years as a top-ranking football star.
"My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old and heard from the pulpit on a Sunday morning in New Orleans a simple question: "If you died today, are you one hundred percent sure you'd go to heaven?" Cooper was there and Eli [Peyton's two brothers] but it didn't hit them at the time the way it did me. It was a big church, and I felt very small, but my heart was pounding. The minister invited those who would like that assurance through Jesus Christ to raise their hands, and I did. Then he invited us to come forward, to take a stand, and my heart really started pounding. And from where we sat, it looked like a mile to the front.
Broncos Dismisses Peyton Trade Rumors
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos denied speculations Peyton Manning is on the trade block. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport told the Rich Eisen Show dismissed reports that Manning will be traded with the Houston Texas early this offseason.
"I do believe there was some conversation between the Texans and several teams who have quarterbacks," Rapoport said. "What it sounds like is that the Texans -- without a quarterback and before they signed (Brian) Hoyer and (Ryan) Mallett -- reached out to teams and tried to see what was there."
