Peyton Manning Sings Johnny Cash with Jake Owen at Charity Gala, Nails It

I never thought I’d say this, but I want to see Peyton Manning live at Folsom Prison. 

The Denver Broncos quarterback hopped onstage at his Celebration of Caring Gala in Indianapolis on Saturday and performed Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” alongside country singer Jake Owen. 

The best part is, Manning nailed it.

For a 38-year-old quarterback with zero musical background to speak of, Manning held his own while crooning the late music legend’s hit song.

Joe Kinsey of Busted Coverage spotted camera phone video of the performance taken from a vertical perspective (sigh).

Manning stepped sheepishly to the mic and surprised everyone by carrying the Cash tune with the confidence of a man who has served a nickel in Angola.

 Even Jake Owen was impressed with Manning’s ability.

"

Great times playing Peyton Manning's Children's Hospital Gala Event. I must say ol' Peyton can sing a country tune pic.twitter.com/71pjvndfZN

— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) April 28, 2014"

Manning’s country singing chops shouldn’t really come as a surprise. The man was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and played college ball at the University of Tennessee.

Southern roots don’t make you Johnny Cash, but they all but guarantee you’ve heard your share of classic Cash tunes jangling out of a jukebox.

Manning’s attendance at the gala marks the first time he’s been back to Indianapolis since losing to the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium last October. The Broncos will play a rematch against Indianapolis in 2014, and Manning is working hard to make sure it’s not a repeat of last time. 

According to the Associated Press (via The Indianapolis Star), the Denver quarterback has been hitting the gym with a vengeance in anticipation of Denver’s regular season opener against the Colts in September.

Manning says he headed straight to the weight room upon learning that the Broncos will kick off the 2014 season with a nationally televised rematch against Andrew Luck and company.

“I had a pretty good feeling that game [Colts-Broncos] would be on TV,” Manning said to reporters. “It’s a tough schedule with three playoff teams [Indianapolis, Kansas City and Seattle] right off the bat and we play the Colts right at the start. They’re a good team, and they were right there at the end and we know they’ll be an excellent opponent.” 

Manning’s comments are vintage Manning: gracious, respectful and measured. But make no mistake, Peyton burns to get that win over his former team.

He hears the Colts train coming, and he aims to stop it in its tracks.

Stuck in the NFL offseason, and time keeps draggin’ on.

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