Manning’s Sullivan Award A Measure Of Redemption

Peyton Manning, who failed to win the Heisman Trophy, can take heart: The Sullivan Award is all his.

The Tennessee quarterback on Wednesday became only the fourth football player in 68 years honored as the nation’s top amateur athlete.

The announcement in Orlando, Fla., by the Amateur Athletic Union confirmed reports he had won.

Manning, who was driving to Knoxville for a funeral, could not be reached for comment. Archie Manning called the Sullivan Award a wonderful honor for his son.

“When you consider all the outstanding amateur athletes around the country, and it’s just the fourth time there’s ever been a football player to win it, that speaks for itself,” Archie Manning said by phone from New Orleans.

The other football players to win the Sullivan were Florida State’s Charlie Ward (1993) and Army’s Arnold Tucker (1946) and Doc Blanchard (1945).

The award is based on athletic accomplishments, leadership, character and sportsmanship.

Manning beat out Tennessee basketball player Chamique Holdsclaw and former Wake Forest basketball player Tim Duncan for the award.