Don't Cry for Peyton Manning

Shed no tears for Peyton Manning in the wake of his divorce from his one true love, the Indianapolis Colts.

Manning was released from the only pro football team he has ever played for, and is now a free agent. He can sign with any of the 12 NFL teams that have allegedly contacted his agent.

Peyton Manning could soon hoist the Lombardi Trophy again, but for another team. (Getty Images)

Manning has got it made. He will wind up wealthier than ever, even though the Colts cut him to avoid making a $28 million payment that would have been due to Manning.

The Colts had the worst record in the NFL in 2011, and now Manning gets an opportunity to start all over again. Who knows?

He might wind up starting in the 2014 Super Bowl — which will be played at the home field of his brother, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Ironically, Eli quarterbacked the Giants to a Super Bowl victory last month — on Peyton Manning’s long-time home field in Indianapolis.

That would be sweet justice for big brother Peyton, eh?

Pro sports is a very rough business sometimes. Peyton Manning is hardly the first superstar who has been sent packing by his team.

The San Francisco 49ers shoved Joe Montana out the door, and he wound up finishing his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Joe Namath played out the string with the Los Angeles Rams after a storied career with the New York Jets. Johnny Unitas had to leave the Baltimore Colts for the San Diego Chargers.

Peyton Manning has had multiple neck surgeries so the football world is praying he doesn’t critically injure himself. He had to recuperate during the entire 2011 season, and now, it appears, he is ready to rumble.

He’d be a great fit with the powerful 49ers. He’d make a mint playing in the tax-advantageous grounds of Miami.

It will be fun to watch this soap opera play out.

Jon Friedman writes the Media Web column for MarketWatch.com. Click here to read his latest column. Read more reports from Jon Friedman — Click Here Now.