Post by BeachTenant on Feb 13, 2007 10:47:33 GMT -5
Story by Hazel Smith from
CMT ~
Kenny Chesney and Peyton Manning, both at the top of their game, bring home the trophies and a winning attitude.
Longtime buddies, Kenny and Peyton continue to nurture a friendship that began when the singer was sitting on a stool singing for tips in an East Tennessee bar and the athlete was struggling to succeed as quarterback at the University of Tennessee.
Both men worked hard and shared their dreams of making a name for themselves in their respective fields but never strayed very far from their roots and the rock solid foundation that molded an eternal friendship between the two men. It's a friendship that takes them to the stands to cheer each other on.
Kenny's busy, but he wasn't too busy to go to Indianapolis for the playoff game where ESPN spotted him when the Colts beat the New England Patriots. It's funny, but the big stadiums where Peyton plays his game is where Kenny will perform six big concerts this summer. If he can work it in his schedule, Manning will be there. More than likely, the star will have his buddy join him onstage. No, Peyton doesn't sing all that great, but Kenny's fans expect him to bring his friend out for them to cheer.
When it comes to Kenny, so many people were always quick to say, "He can't." Just as many were saying the same thing about Peyton right up to the day before the Super Bowl. So the day before the big game, I sent an e-mail to Kenny letting him know I was sending up a prayer for Peyton and the Colts. Kenny replied, "Hey Baby, I will send Peyton your love. I am in Miami on my boat and going to the game tomorrow. Love you, Kenny."
Before the game Kenny allowed, "These moments don't come too often. And Peyton has always been great about coming out and hanging with me and the guys. It's pretty cool to see someone you've known this long playing in the Super Bowl -- and I wouldn't miss his first Super Bowl for the world."
The Colts won the freaking Super Bowl, beating the Chicago Bears, 29-17, on a rainy Sunday. Peyton earned the MVP award and was presented a brand new Cadillac. And Kenny was there to see it -- just like Peyton was in Knoxville in 2003 for Kenny's homecoming concert in front of 67,000 screaming fans at the University of Tennessee's Neyland Stadium.
That's what real friends are for.
