DOUBLE TAKE: The 'Sheriff' rides into the sunset

Matt's Take:

Whether you were a fan or not, if you didn't get a little misty during Peyton Manning's retirement speech, you need to check your wiring.

I'm from Cleveland, Ohio so I have absolutely no ties to the University of Tennessee, the Indianapolis Colts or the Denver Broncos. I have absolutely no reason to root for Manning.

But, how can you not like the guy? He will certainly go down as one of the top five quarterbacks of all time. If you need proof, do yourself a little Google search and see how many major records he holds.

He's a two-time Super Bowl champ and a five-time NFL MVP. The numbers speak for themselves. And if it wasn't for those pesky Tom Brady-led New England Patriots, Manning's resume might look a bit different.

To me, the best part of Manning's persona might be his ability to poke fun at himself and his ability to make people laugh.

From Saturday Night Live to Nationwide and Papa Johns, Manning has quite the comedic ability. Pair him up with his brother, Eli, and they are comedic geniuses.

Do yourself a favor, go on YouTube and search "Football on your Phone." It will have you cracking up.

But on a serious note, it's not all sunshine and giggles for Manning. He's been linked to HGH which was shipped to his wife.

He's also at the center of allegations where he may or may not have placed his butt on the face of a trainer back in college.

But, until he's proven guilty, let's celebrate Manning for the positive. He's one of the greatest of all time.

Andrew’s Take:

I never want to be a celebrity.

I don’t even want to be rich, if this is what you have to deal with when you reach the top.

In the terms of Peyton Manning, by “top” I mean “best of all time.” I’ve been well documented on this stance, and I’m saying it again. He is the best football player of all time.

Now, as he should be planning life after football, he’s defending his image.

It’s a well-manicured image; I’ll give you that. The only American with as much coordination behind a collective perception is Barrack Obama. But in an age when your entire existence is available on a cell phone, it’s hard to believe that any person doesn’t have some “dirt” in their past.

I mean, I’ve never shoved my butt in a woman’s face, but I definitely have moments that I don’t want to become public knowledge. Just wait, we’ll get to “Peyton’s butt.”

As much is being said about Manning’s retirement as is being said about his character. His possible use of human growth hormone (HGH) is the most significant claim, because it has implications on the achievements that are sending him to Canton, Ohio.

In short, some hormones were addressed to Manning’s wife, and people are saying they were for him.

I’m saying he didn’t need any pharmaceutical assistance, and these claims are a tremendous reach.

Back to his butt. That’s right. One of the claims threatening the reputation of Manning is that he sexually assaulted a female trainer in 1996, while at the University of Tennessee, by putting his exposed backside on her face while her attention was diverted.

I believe this claim. It was disrespectful, inhumane and above all else; it was illegal. But I’m not surprised.

Manning has lead a privileged life. I’ve often described a correlation between wealth and consequence, and this culture definitely provided an environment for immoral behavior.

Ultimately, this disgusting act of Manning’s former life does not affect my stance on his place in the history of the game.