'An honor to be your friend,' NFL legend Peyton Manning CONGRATULATES Todd Helton for MLB HOF induction, recalls Tennessee football days as quarterbacks

Although the two quarterbacks took different game roads, they’ll be united once again as Hall of Famers in the NFL and MLB. Both of them rewrote Tennessee history books in their own fields, enjoying a legendary career prior to retirement from the field. 

Both were members of the Tennessee Volunteers football team in the 1990s but Helton decided to take the MLB path while Manning started his NFL career. Manning noted on his social media platform, 

Was an honor to be your backup, an honor to be your fan, and it’s an honor to be your friend. Congrats on the HOF Todd, so well deserved. Peyton Manning as per MLB on X. 

Todd Helton invites Peyton Manning to Cooperstown during HOF event

Will Cooperstown accommodate two legends on July 21? It can very well be possible considering how Todd Helton, the future HOF inductee, sent an invitation to former Tennessee teammate Peyton Manning on MLB Network. Helton spoke with Manning on Tuesday when the 2024 HOF candidates were named.

If Manning does make an appearance at Helton’s HOF induction ceremony, it surely won’t be for the first time. The NFL legend was present during Helton’s final game at Coors Field as he was caught on camera cheering for his old buddy. Helton also mentioned he’ll be absolutely thrilled to see him again on his special day and even offered an invite to his son and others.

Absolutely…if he wants to come, bring his son, whatever, he is more than welcome to come. Everybody is welcome to come. Todd Helton on MLB Network.

Helton noted, “It’s the greatest honor you can get as a baseball player”. He recalled what was it like to be on the field and how his dream had finally come true. He advised active and young MLB players to “dream to be a big leaguer, not just a baseball player. Dream to be a Hall of Famer.”

Helton started as a quarterback for the Vols when starter Jerry Colquitt suffered an injury during the season opener. Later Manning took his place when Helton dealt with an injury and was out later in the season. After appearing in 12 games during his career with the Vols, he chose baseball and rewrote the Tennessee baseball book.

The 1995 MLB Draft changed the course of his life and became one of the most legendary baseball players to play the game. His personality both on and off the field endeared a lot of fans. With his latest HOF joining, he’ll be forever marked as a player who changed baseball history.