Star quarterback Peyton Manning is deeply involved in the Indianapolis community.  Local St. Vincent’s Children’s hospital was permanently renamed Peyton Manning’s Children’s hospital because of his financial support, fundraising efforts, and community support over the last ten years.

Manning’s involvement includes a youth wellness program:  Peyton’s PeyBack Foundation is a kid’s guide to healthy living and importance of making right decisions.  Manning spends a lot of time and money wearing his Colts jersey while sponsoring community improvements and financing youth scholarships.

Recently Peyton threw the first pass in the Indianapolis new Lucas Oil Stadium, which opened in the fall of 2008.  The stadium is now the home to the Indianapolis Colts, and holds an amazing number of football fans: 63,000.  The retractable roof can be adjusted in nine minutes, and offers a comfortable audience both indoors and outdoors.  With the opening of the new stadium, Colts owner Jim Irsay has agreed to keep the Colts in Indianapolis for several more years. 

The Indianapolis Colts has other stars besides Manning.  Marvin Harrison, Manning’s wide receiver, holds the NFL record for receptions in a single game, and is the only player to have 4 consecutive 100 or more reception seasons in NFL history.  Peyton and Marvin hold the NFL record for most receptions between a quarterback and wide receiver, and record in receiving touchdowns.   He is second only to Jerry Rice in 1500 or more receiving yard seasons. 

Anthony Gonzalez, Colts wide receiver, is one of the league’s rising stars.  Gonzalez was a first round draft pick out of Ohio State in2007, with 664 yards receiving this year.  His career promises improvements, and great accomplishments for the Colts. 

Adam Vinatieri is currently the Colts’ kicker, with several accomplishments, and is known for his success in pressure-kick situations.  He was acquired from the Patriots in 2007, and is the only player to play in five SuperBowls (winning four).

The Colts just finished their 2008 season with the playoffs, in an overtime loss to the San Diego Chargers, but are promising their fans another exciting and successful season for 2009.