This season, several quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Brock Purdy, and Joe Burrow, continued the tradition of gifting their offensive linemen Christmas presents.
Legendary quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning, a five-time NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2013), created huge controversy with a bold and surprising take on the OL gifting during the live broadcast of the NFL Wild Card game between the Rams and Vikings.
Peyton Manning was known for his fiery temperament and immense passion for the game. His competitive nature even led to legendary on-field altercations, including a famous fight with his friend and longtime offensive lineman, Jeff Saturday.
Despite their heated moments, Saturday has spoken fondly of their relationship, emphasizing the respect and good treatment he received from Manning throughout their years as teammates. The two shared back-to-back locker rooms for many seasons, solidifying both on and off the field.
The $20 dollars Papa John’s coupon
In 2013, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who was on track for one of his best statistical seasons and a Comeback Player of the Year award, decided to show his appreciation for his offensive linemen in a unique way.
He presented each of them with a sheet of coupons for Papa John’s Pizza as Christmas gifts. At the time, Manning owned over 20 Papa John’s stores, which made the gift even more rude. He attached post-it notes to each coupon before taping them to the lockers of his offensive linemen.
The notes contained a humorous message: “Guys – thanx 4 helping me stay ‘hot & fresh’ all season. Hope I don’t sound too ‘cheesy,’ but I couldn’t have completed all my ‘quick deliveries’ w/o your help. Haha! Merry Xmas!”
The coupons were a thoughtful and fun way for Manning to express his appreciation while also giving the offensive line a practical gift they could enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Manning, who had signed a five-year, $96 million contract with the Broncos during the offseason, explained his reasoning behind the gift.
He said, “I wanted to show the guys that I appreciate the hard work and great protection they’ve given me all season long. And what better way to say that than with a sheet of fantastic discounts on selected Papa John’s pizza products as well as other assorted menu items? Sure, I could have just given them individual coupons for a one-time-only $2.00 discount, but I chose instead to give them the whole sheet to make sure they know exactly how much I value their efforts.“
As Manning’s career ended in 2015, his reputation as a generous and thoughtful teammate remained intact. He didn’t just give material gifts as Rolex watches, custom suits, stereo systems, or Sony Blu-ray players; he built lasting relationships with his teammates that extended beyond football. His commitment to taking care of those around him helped solidify his legacy as one of the most respected players in NFL history, known not only for his success on the field but for the way he cared for his teammates off it.