Indianapolis Colts: Why Fans Should Ignore Anything About Peyton Manning in 2012

The upcoming 2012 season will be the first time in 14 years that Peyton Manning will not be on the roster for the Indianapolis Colts. And I have to say, it’s kind of exciting.

The Manning era has been replaced by the excitement and anticipation of a new Colts quarterback. Manning's career in Indianapolis has ended, and Colts fans do not seem to be all that disappointed.

It was a good run for Manning and the Colts, but after his injury last year, it was a little easier to let go. Manning is entering his 15th year in the NFL and it is with a new team—eager for quarterback leadership that is so commonly tied to a veteran of his caliber.

Manning spent his entire NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. He was the face of the franchise and grew with the team, giving the Colts 11 playoff appearances, two AFC championships and a Super Bowl XLI win in 2006. Manning has not disappointed in his performance and production; he has definitely brought a lot to the table at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Colts fans will always respect and remember Peyton Manning’s history with the team.

However, all this media attention surrounding Manning—who will now be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos—should be ignored. Colts fans need to focus on a new, revitalized team in Indianapolis. The Colts will now be under the leadership of rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. And there is a lot that Colts fans have to look forward to.

Luck couldn’t have come at a better time.

The last time the Colts made a playoff appearance was in 2010. The team was once a powerhouse a few years ago. Last season, the Colts finished with an incredibly disappointing 2-14 record.

Granted, Manning wasn’t playing last season due to his injury, but that is all the more reason for Colts fans to let Manning go. After the severity of his injury was revealed, many doubted his abilities to come back to a full recovery.

One wrong hit and Manning could be seeing retirement. So why not say goodbye to their beloved longtime quarterback now and prepare for a younger, new household name?

There is no doubt that Manning was a phenomenal quarterback for the Colts, and probably one of the best in the NFL...during his prime. But now 15 years later, Manning is nearing the end of his game (at least with the Colts).

Colts fans now have a fresh start to look forward to. Andrew Luck is coming into the NFL with a lot of credentials to his name. He was considered one of the best quarterbacks in college football and was in the running for the Heisman Trophy...twice.

Luck was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in college football (with a completion percentage of 71.3 percent in 2011) and led Stanford as their starting quarterback for three years.

During his college football career, Luck showed that he was "confident in the pocket despite pressure around him...Quick-footed and balanced in dropping back, scanning the field," (via CBSSports.com).

Of course, Luck has a lot to learn about the game at a professional level, but he has a lot of raw talent coming into the NFL and should be quick to adjust. Colts fans should expect his performance to match his hype. And ignoring any news about Peyton Manning in 2012, will be the best thing for both the fans and the team.

The time of Peyton Manning is well over, and now it’s time for Andrew Luck to lead the Colts back to the elite franchise label that Indianapolis was so close to solidifying. And the rookie quarterback has the ability and talent to make that happen in the upcoming 2012 season.

Colts fans would do well to push Manning out of their minds and place their bets on Luck.