Sen. Udall on adding Peyton Manning to Broncos roster: ‘Blue and orange, baby!’

Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) is thrilled to have former Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Peyton Manning in Denver, enthusiastically exclaiming Tuesday: “Blue and orange, baby! Here we go!

“Indianapolis is losing not just a star, and a performer on the field, but somebody who really contributed to their community. I anticipate Peyton Manning will be a great part of the Denver, Colo., scene.”

The Denver Broncos signed Manning to a five-year contract Tuesday worth up to $96 million. Manning was released earlier this month by the only NFL team he has played with, amid concerns about the aging quarterback’s health (and a $28 million bonus he was due if the Colts had kept him). 

The signing of the future Hall of Famer raised questions about Tim Tebow, the Broncos quarterback who led the team to the playoffs and a stunning postseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. (At press time, reports indicated Tebow had been traded to the New York Jets.)

“[Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) has] been working on me this last week,” Udall told The Hill. “He said, ‘What are you doing out there? Tim Tebow’s the best thing going out there.’ 

“Peyton Manning is in a class of his own,” Udall added with a smile.

Udall noted his appreciation for Tebow.

“Tim Tebow was a real hit,” Udall said. “He’s a committed, thoughtful young man. He scraps, he fights, he works every way possible to win, and what more could you want?”

Translation: Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

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