After 14 years in the NFL, the game was suddenly new to Peyton Manning. Following his release from the Colts on March 7, 2012, he embarked on a hectic two-week free-agency tour that drew the interest of 31 teams and the eyes of the entire football-watching country.
The stops were limited and the meetings covert as he artfully dodged any prying eyes. But on the morning of March 10, in the confines of a small park in Castle Rock, Manning's friend and former receiver Brandon Stokley learned just how significant the decision would be.
Stokley caught some 50 routes from his quarterback that morning, the day after Manning met and dined with the Broncos.