Peyton Manning sends gift to grieving family

Peyton Manning might not be the same player he once was, but he is still a Hall of Fame individual. On Tuesday, Manning made a tremendous gesture to a family that is suffering through the tragic loss of 15-year-old Logan Brown, was killed in March in a head-on auto accident by a man over four times the legal blood alcohol content limit, per ESPN.com.

Brown, who was an Indianapolis Colts fan and Indiana native, revered Manning like so many others in the area. Brown’s grandmother, Gayle Ricketts, wrote to Manning to let him know how important he was to Brown.

"“As a grandmother, I felt like I should let Peyton know this young man idolized him and what he meant in his life,” Ricketts told WFIE-TV in Evansville."

On Tuesday, which was supposed to be Brown’s 16th birthday, a present arrived in the mail from none other than Manning. Inside, Manning included a letter along with a signed photo that was inscribed “In memory of Logan Allen Brown.”

"“It blew me away,” Ricketts told WFIE-TV. “I called Charles [Brown, Logan’s father] when the letter came. I didn’t even open it. I called Charles to come over. I said the Broncos answered me.”"

It is this kind of story that doesn’t get reported enough. Manning is first-class from all indications and one of the more personable athletes we have seen this century. While so many players hide behind crafted speeches and statements, Manning has always been a visible member of the public. While he will always be remembered for his brilliance on the football field, many will also think of his Saturday Night Live appearances and comical commercials.

Now, people have a much more important thing to remember Manning for. Sure, it was a simple gesture to help those going through a terrible loss, but most wouldn’t have taken the time. Manning not only stepped up, but timed it for the late young man’s birthday. That a perfect play right there.