Seahawks’ Russell Wilson writes tribute to Peyton Manning

Russell Wilson wrote a tribute to Peyton Manning after what may have been the last game of his career. (AP)

Russell Wilson was only a sophomore in high school when he first met Peyton Manning. Wilson attended one of the annual Manning Passing Adademy camps and was among a select few who were in Peyton’s group, a story that he recalled before the Seahawks and Broncos met in Super Bowl XLVIII.

That’s the history behind the tribute that Wilson wrote to Manning, which appeared Monday on the website The Players’ Tribune. Wilson’s references his first encounter with Manning and offers a thank you in light of how Denver’s victory in Super Bowl 50 very well could have been the last game of Manning’s career.

The story includes a picture of a teenage Wilson – with a buzz cut and a green T-shirt – kneeling amongst a crowd of other camp attendees.

An excerpt:

If this is it, there’s one moment I won’t forget. 10th grade. Louisiana. At your quarterback camp. You inspired the kid in the green shirt. You inspired me to work hard. To be disciplined. To be respectful. To take notes. You inspired me to love the process. To love the sweat. To love the tears. But most of all … You inspired me to love the game. Thanks, Peyton. If this is it, Thanks.

Manning, 39, said Sunday night that he will take some time before deciding whether or not to retire.