Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Significant, Small Stories: Peyton, Pro Bowl

While hundreds of media members chased stories about the Super Bowl, two stories that emerged Tuesday gave insights about the game that remains four days away and the status of pro football as a monetary and ratings giant, respectively.

First, "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on ESPN Radio talked with former Colts coach turned motivational speaker and NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy. It was a nice phone interview with a former Super Bowl-winning coach the week of the game, but it got better when the discussion focused on Colts QB Peyton Manning.

While many respect Manning's commitment to preparation, Dungy related a story that made that point. He said the standout quarterback, one of the best players in the league, drove from Indianapolis to Columbus, Ohio, twice a week in early 2007 to work out with an unknown rookie receiver.

In an effort to better integrate then-Ohio State student Anthony Gonzalez into the Colts' offense, Manning drove nearly three hours each way to make the trip to throw passes to the team's newest receiver. No A-list pro player needs to do that -- unless he wants to maintain his spot among the sport's best and ensure his team's success.

And, as if there was any doubt, the hefty ratings for the Pro Bowl on Sunday probably ensured that game would eventually have a permanent home the week before the Super Bowl in the same stadium as the big game.

About 12.3 million viewers watched the game on ESPN, up from 8.8 million in 2009. This year's game was the most-watched Pro Bowl since 2000, and it earned good ratings opposite the Grammy Awards, which drew nearly 26 million viewers.

The sellout crowd on site also helped ensure the game's future timeslot.

Despite complaints from some analysts and players, soe others enjoyed the location in the continental United States -- and fans most certainly had a good time and responded.

Just as they do in pro baseball and basketball, fans see the game as their own. They know the hits are not hard and the game has little meaning, but they do not care. They're glad to attend in person -- and to watch on TV. That all makes the game marketable for the league, and that means it will remain on the schedule.

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