After the Detroit Lions’ surprising playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders, Peyton Manning could deeply empathize with head coach Dan Campbell and his team. Manning, who had experienced a similar heartbreak with the 2005 Indianapolis Colts, recalled the Colts’ own crushing 21-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round despite finishing the regular season with a stellar 14-2 record.
Recognizing the sting of such a loss, Manning reached out to Campbell with a text message offering words of support. “I know how you feel, I’ve been there, and it’s tough,” Manning said. “But remember, we came back and won it all the next year. You just keep pushing forward.”
