INDIANAPOLIS >> He studied the game endlessly. He demanded plenty from his teammates. He fought through every injury imaginable. He remained consumed with winning championships.
That will mark the legacy of Lakers guard Kobe Bryant once he retires following his 20th NBA season and becomes a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But that description also applies to Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who helped Denver defeat Carolina on Sunday to collect his second Super Bowl title.
Manning could also share another similarity with Bryant as the Broncos quarterback mulls retirement. Bryant has not yet talked with Manning, but he offered his own perspective.