Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is interviewed after Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Without question, and for totally different reasons, the majority of the focus leading up to Super Bowl 48 was on Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman and Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning.

For the still young Sherman, he brought the attention all upon himself with his post-game rant on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree following the NFC Championship Game.

In Manning’s case, his attention wasn’t really something that he asked for, necessarily. With his legendary career winding down and more people focusing on his failures in the postseason rather than his accomplishments, the talk was all about where his “legacy” stood, should he and the Broncos lose this game.

Well, they in fact did lose, and in a big way as the Seahawks throttled Manning and company, 43-8, on Sunday night. And Manning himself particularly didn’t play his best, throwing two interceptions on the evening.

Still though, despite many thinking that he may be one of the more arrogant people in the world after such a big victory, Sherman went out of his way to throw some praise Manning’s way.

Peyton is the Classiest person/player I have ever met! I could learn so much from him! Thank you for being a great Competitor and person

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 3, 2014

Then to add to it even more, he urged those naysayers not to throw any shade in Manning’s direction.

There is no reason to bash him on here please Seattle let’s just enjoy this one!!!! He is still a Future HOF player

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 3, 2014

A classy move from the much-maligned Sherman, indeed.