Brush with Famous - Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning (Image from Indy Star)

I've told this story before, maybe twice before in the last 2,100 blogs, but it bears repeating.

My one brush with future Hall of Fame Quarterback Peyton Manning came while working at Lutheran High School of Indianapolis in 2011.

A parent's winning bid in a charity auction meant our students got to hear the QB in the school auditorium.

One condition of the appearance was it needed to be about the students.  Parents, alumni, and local media were not included.

My job was to wait for his arrival and open the auditorium door for him.

I held the door as he walked toward me  shaking my hand while looking me in the eye and saying hello.

It was not an extraordinary moment, but I was struck by the normalcy of the encounter.

My first impression was his parents raised him right.  Despite fame and riches he treated others with respect.

It was a moment without fanfare.  It was authentic.  It provided an insight into his character.   My brush with the famous Peyton Manning was positive and lasting.