The one thing I know for sure about Manning

Go ahead; ask me what I know about the latest on Peyton
Manning. Go on…ask me.

I know that one person told me Manning’s six-hour visit
with the Cardinals went well. I know my co-host, John
Gambadoro (@gambo620) tweeted earlier on Sunday that he
was hearing Manning should be a Cardinals unless Bidwill
screws it up and made a vague reference to a conference
call. I know that Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter wrote
that it’s highly unlikely Manning will make his decision
by Tuesday, which is a bit of a game-changer.

I know that Vic Lombardi, a former Phoenix TV guy now in
Denver, tweeted that the Broncos believed they were 95%
sure they were going to get him, but then pulled that
number off the table. I know
Mortensen later tweeted that a Broncos official and a
Manning source both shot that number down like a skeet
shoot. I know that the Denver Post used the phrase “dog
and pony show” to refer to the Cardinals’ recruitment of
Manning. I know that current Phoenix TV guy Tim Ring of
Channel 3 tweeted that there no dogs and no ponies were
involved in the Cards’ recruitment of Manning.

I know that around 12:40, Jimmy John’s was delivered for
lunch.

In other words, while I’m enjoying all the speculation… I.
Don’t. Know. Jack.

Well, I do know this: I know that if a decision is indeed
made sometime this week there shall be no middle ground.
It will either be one of the most exhilarating days in the
history of Arizona sports or one of the most heartbreaking
days in the history of Arizona sports.

Of that I am completely certain.

Usually I’m not given to such hyperbole. I believe in the
middle ground. I believe in not giving into extremism.
But in this case it is unavoidable.

It’s either going to be one of the best days of our
sports-loving lives or one of the worst. No in between.

While emceeing Doug and Wolf’s Cornhole Cup over the
weekend, many asked what I thought was going to happen and
I was surprised by my own answer; I think it could happen
but don’t want to believe it will because if it doesn’t,
I’ll be crushed.

It’s not a Paxson-hit-the-shot feeling or a Holmes-caught-
the-ball moment but it won’t be much fun. So I guess I’m
keeping my distance so that I’m protected.

Just call it emotional insurance.

Should he choose someone else, the guy I’ll feel for the
most is Kevin Kolb. I don’t feel too badly for him now.
For goodness sakes, it’s Peyton Manning, what does he
expect? But if the Cardinals finish with the silver or the
bronze in this race, then the residue of that heartbreak
is going to be on him, and that’s unfair.

Follow @Vincemarotta