Peyton Manning's Decision to Join Denver Broncos Wasn't about Winning

If Peyton Manning really wanted to join the team that has the best chance of winning a Super Bowl, he would've joined the San Francisco 49ers.

They have better playmakers in Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham.

They also have a solid offensive line, a brilliant quarterback mind for a head coach and the best defense in football.

If Manning wanted to go to a nice place where he could settle down and eventually retire, he would've chosen Miami.

If he wanted to be assured a front office job after retirement he would've chosen Tennessee.

But Manning chose Denver because of the professionalism and football know-how of the front office and the entire organization. Peyton is used to having strong relationships with the guys upstairs like Jim Irsay and Bill Polian in Indy.

That's all Peyton knows. He wanted a similar presence from his owner and front office guy, and got that with Pat Bowlen and John Elway in Denver. He is also paired with a well-respected NFL coach like Tony Dungy in John Fox.

He wasn't comfortable with Jim Harbaugh, Bud Adams or anybody from the Dolphins, and knew he would need support from guys like these.

Peyton said it himself during his press conference that he would need the help of Elway and Bowlen to make this thing work, and understands that the stability of an organization is a major ingredient to success and happiness in the NFL.

At his age, Manning's decision came down to the club that he could trust the most to support him and put him and his family in the best position possible. A club and an executive that would have his back through thick and thin.

He decided on John Elway. A decision that only greatens the legacy of the Broncos Hall of Famer.