Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles took some criticism this week for asking Peyton Manning for an autograph after the Broncos beat the Chiefs on Sunday. Manning thinks that criticism is misguided.
Manning told reporters today that he routinely signs items for other NFL players, some who collect autographs for themselves, some who want autographs as gifts for family members or friends, and some who are looking for items for charity auctions. Manning said he has never seen any problem with it.
“Players are constantly trading, you sign for teammates, that’s part of the deal,” Manning said. “That was blown way out of proportion.”
Manning also said that his father, Archie Manning, was always willing to take time to sign autographs when he was a player, and Peyton made a note of that.
“Growing up with a dad who got asked for a lot of autographs, I used to see it a lot after games,” Manning said. “After wins or after losses he took the time to sign and that makes an impression on a young kid.”
It clearly never crossed Manning’s mind when he was signing an autograph for Charles that anyone would have a problem with it.