Peyton Manning doesn’t appear to be remotely close to making a decision on what team he’ll play for this season.
Just a few days after NFL insiders noted that he would likely select a squad right around the middle of the week that was, Manning reshuffled the deck by making it clear that the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans -- the perceived finalists for his services -- weren’t the only two teams he was looking at. Somehow, the San Francisco 49ers had crept into the equation, too.
Well, the good folks at Nissan -- perhaps feeling that Tennessee's odds of landing Manning were decreasing by the nanosecond -- recently made a power play. In an effort to woo the future first ballot Hall of Famer, here is the offer they threw on the table (in an open letter, via Nissan):
Dear Peyton,
We hope it’s okay to be informal and call you Peyton. You’ve been like one of the family to sports fans, especially Tennesseans, since your record-setting college days at the University of Tennessee.
Like you, we at Nissan North America were not all born to Rocky Top. But it is now home to our corporate headquarters and three manufacturing facilities employing more than 6,000 Tennesseans.
At Nissan, we too have fans all over the U.S.A. and we appreciate them all. And like all of your fans, we’re awaiting your decision on where to play next season. While we are in no position to sign you to any particular NFL franchise, we at Nissan North America want to make you a Titan – a 2012 Nissan Titan – as a gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to our national community.
We extend this offer on behalf of a nation of football fans and Nissan fans, not necessarily to influence your decision. So next time you’re in Nashville, give us a call and we’ll bring the keys.
Sincerely,
Nissan North America
According to U.S. News, a 2012 Nissan Titan truck runs anywhere from $28,000-$40,000. ProFootballTalk is reporting that Manning wants to get a 5-year, $90 million deal from whoever he opts to sign with next ($61.8 million in the first two years). As great a brand as Nissan always has been, it’s probably safe to assume that it won’t be changing anyone’s mind with this offer.
If they put two trucks on the table, though – all bets are off.
(Kudos to Larry Brown Sports for the find)
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