The Man With Manny

Although I usually can be found ranked among the top college football writers on Bleacher Report, if you ever look at my profile and you see who my favorite athlete is, you'll see the name Manny Pacquiao.

I have been a fan of Manny's for quite some time, and he has been nothing short of amazing and thrilling in the ring. I actually became a fan of the Pac-Man because of my college friend Rob Peters.

For those who have seen the HBO specials and have seen Manny walking around in Las Vegas before a big fight, you probably know Rob as Manny's Bodyguard. I know Rob as one of the best guys I have ever met and one of my best friends.

I met Rob over 20 years ago during my freshman year of college. He, along with 14 of my other close friends, played intramural softball and football together and have all been friends ever since. All of us meet a few times a year to get together, talk about old times, and to see Rob at work, hanging with Manny for a big fight.

It's no mystery to those of us who know Rob why he would be such a good fit with a person like Manny Pacquiao. While Manny is beloved by his people of his homeland for being the human being he is, Rob is revered by his friends and those who know him as a guy who can be trusted and relied upon, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by the pound-for-pound king.

So while other college football fanatics were crowding the Georgia Dome and other football venues where championship games were being played, 12 of my college friends and myself were where we are every weekend Manny is set to step in the ring, supporting our friend Rob Peters, as he has supported all of us in everything we do.

When I started my blog, the first person who called me was Rob. While he was calling to say there was a problem with the lighting on my video, just him calling showed that no matter how busy his life has become with all of the trips overseas to the Philippines, he still always stays true to his roots and his friends.

We are all proud of what Manny did in the ring last Saturday and even prouder that Rob has been a part of it and all he has done with Manny. We wish him all the best and are thankful that he allows us to be a part of it and share the experience.