Large number of fans gather to see Peyton Manning at Denver Broncos training camp – NFL News
As the Denver Broncos’ training camp started on Thursday, July 26, 2012, fans got first chance to see a glimpse of Peyton Manning performing in orange and blue.
This was Manning’s first practice in front of Broncos fans. Broncos saw a record crowd of 4,371 fans in a jam packed Dove Valley training facility.
It was the highest attendance for Broncos’ non-stadium practice in their entire history. Huge crowd roared as Manning entered the field with his teammates.
Yet the best thing in Broncos’ camp yesterday was a better looking Manning. He was crisp and active throughout the training session that spanned for 2 ½ hours.
Talking about the practice session, Manning said:
"I thought it was a good first day. You can tell guys have been working. It's hot out here. We had a real good tempo."
It was a bit of a game like experience for Manning as fans cheered his every action. Manning is looking forward to playing in the league after nearly two years. He said in comments published by the Broncos:
“Did I miss playing? What do you think? I have missed it, and I’ve never taken it for granted to be out there playing. I had been playing for 13 years straight and never missed a game since I’ve been playing quarterback in the seventh
grade. I like being around our young players. They’re all young compared to me. It’s fun being around these guys who are 22 and 23. It keeps you feeling young.”
All of the Broncos’ minicamps and OTA’s this offseason have been non public. Manning’s fellow players were also pretty excited about the prospects of playing alongside the four-time MVP.
Manning missed training camp with the Colts last year after getting a severe neck injury in January.
Manning had four neck operations during the last 18 months during which he was released by Colts after playing 13 seasons with them.
He joined Broncos this offseason for a massive five-year, $96 million contract. With the addition of the elite quarterback, Broncos starter quarterback for last season, Tim Tebow, moved to New York Jets.
Broncos’ offence will come out on the field with a more traditional line-up, as compared to a more haphazard one they had with Tebow in the centre.
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