Peyton Manning Shows True Colors by Spurning 49ers Due to Super Bowl Pressure

Peyton Manning's decision to join the Denver Broncos is not a big surprise. After all, they were one of the finalists for his services. What is a surprise is his reported reasoning for not signing elsewhere, specifically San Francisco. 

Sports Illustrated's Peter King said he talked to sources who said Manning didn't like the 49ers because of the idea that it would be Super Bowl or bust. 

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Tenn source tells me Titans felt Manning turned off by circus potential there ... Source in SF says SB-or-bust feel would have bugged PM.

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"— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) March 19, 2012"

Does Manning live in a bubble? Does he really think that there won't be Super Bowl-or-bust feelings surrounding him in Denver?

When he was in college at Tennessee, and for years in Indianapolis, Manning was seen as a quarterback who would crumble in the biggest games. He was 0-4 against the University of Florida and struggled for years to beat the New England Patriots before winning a Super Bowl in 2006. 

Now that he is coming back, after four neck surgeries, at nearly 36 years old, he had a chance to sign with one of the best teams in the NFL.

The 49ers have arguably the best defense in the sport and will return all 11 starters from last season. They signed two big, red zone targets in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham for Manning to throw to. Everything was set up for him and this team to win a Super Bowl together. 

But Manning balked at the idea because the pressure to win would have bugged him. Well, let's go get him a blanket and a book so that he doesn't have to worry about anything away from the comfort of his own bed. 

Perhaps he actually believes the Broncos give him the best chance to win. If that is the case, more power to him. 

Just going on what King reported, Manning sounds like he needs to get his priorities in order. Winning should be the only thing he is concerned with at this stage of his career. 

The 49ers wanted to give him a chance because of what they believe he could have done for them and what they, in turn, would do for him. 

Instead, Manning decided to tell the Broncos he wants to lead them, because apparently that Super Bowl-or-bust feeling won't follow him there. Congratulations, Denver. The fans can take comfort in knowing that there is so little pressure to perform there that Manning made his decision based on that. 

Just don't expect to see Manning in a Super Bowl very soon. We wouldn't want him to feel overwhelmed by something like winning games. 

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