Why Peyton Manning to Texans Would Be Ultimate Slap in the Face to Colts Fans

With so much interest surrounding Peyton Manning's situation with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, it won't be surprising to see how it ends, regardless of how it actually ends.

That being said, the Houston Texans are now supposedly a considered franchise, which throws a wrench into the "no surprise ending" previously mentioned. According to Bob Allen of KTRK-TV in Houston, Manning is interested in the Texans:

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Someone I know who is close friends with the Manning family says Peyton is definitely interested in coming to the Texans. Manning will be released by the Colts early next month and will be a free agent. The person who knows the Mannings says Peyton wants to play on a team that has a chance of going to a Super Bowl, and the Texans fit that description.

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If this is the case, it's basically on Brett Favre's level on how the future Hall of Famer went to a division rival.

As we all know, of course, Favre left Green Bay before the 2008 season and was playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 and 2010.

Manning has been with the Indianapolis Colts since 1998, has won four NFL MVPs, made two Super Bowl appearances—winning one—and is also a future Hall of Famer.

Based on Manning's situation alone with the Colts, it would by no means be surprising to see him end up elsewhere, however, a division rival is a different story. At least other eventual Hall of Famers like Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath and Joe Montana didn't go to a division rival.

Unitas went from the Baltimore Colts to the San Diego Chargers, Namath from the Jets to the Rams and Montana from the 49ers to the Chiefs.

Getting back to Manning, Houston is a far better situation as evidenced by the 2011 season and the young talent across the board. However, if Peyton were to become a Texan, that totally slaps the loyalty factor of the Colts' fans in the face.

Yes, the Texans have a better shot at the postseason and Super Bowl, but whatever happened to playing for the fans? After all, the fans are the reason why pro football is so big.

We never saw Dan Marino leave the Miami Dolphins, or Dan Fouts split from the Chargers despite the lack of talent around them. Both are now Hall of Famers, but they were at least loyal to their franchise and fans.

Take for example, what most NBA fans think about LeBron James. Had he remained with the Cleveland Cavaliers he would have a lot more respect from fans all over, especially those in Cleveland. Now, it's a travesty and although it's basketball, it's an eerily similar situation to Manning's.

What it simply comes down to is sticking with your fans, teammates, franchise and the city through the end. Obviously, a player is measured by wins and losses along with Super Bowl rings and then ultimately, awards and stats.

Well, Peyton Manning already has all that and more. So, why should he leave the franchise, fans and city that has been so faithful to him all these years?

Not to mention, but if the Colts draft Andrew Luck he'll have the opportunity to mentor a young quarterback with a ridiculous amount of potential. In turn, that will only enhance Manning's legacy even more if Luck has a strong career.

So, for the sake of Colts fans everywhere, here's to hoping Peyton Manning remains in Circle City til the end.

John Rozum on Twitter.