What happens when the owner of a team speaks out about his former quarterback’s time in town?
Well, when it’s Jim Irsay being quoted about future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, people are going to sit up and take notice. They’re going to read between the lines and parse every word for a hidden meaning like they’re Tom Hanks breaking “The DaVinci Code.”
And, let’s face it. Peyton Manning’s commercials and “Saturday Night Live” skits have made him one of the most recognizable faces in pro sports. So, there’s a large fan base ready to back their favorite quarterback when the negativity spews, whatever the source. Whether Jim Irsay was talking about Manning’s playoff record in Indianapolis is unknown. But, for the sake of argument, Irsay’s fuzzy comments certainly opened that door and prompted a litany of responses. Reggie Wayne appeared annoyed and frustrated by the Manning questions, referring to the efforts of his teammates in the community and their on-field performances (Rhodes/Addai rushed for 190 yards in the Super Bowl win over Chicago).
Former head coach Tony Dungy weighed in a couple times and had been asked whether Irsay might have been playing mind games with Manning. Dungy acknowledged that it might have been a possible ploy, but never cut off the speculation with a definitive answer that such tactics would be in vain. I find that curious.
Regardless, in the spirit of the “Homecoming” celebration – ie, Manning’s 2013 return to Indianapolis against the Colts – I decided to create a playlist for our virtual homecoming dance. Maybe these songs will make the list as you head home to your respective homecoming/reunion weekends
Please send your suggestions for additional songs to my Twitter account @swollendome.
I couldn’t get things started without a tribute to sportscasting legend Champ Kind. David Koechner and the gang return for “Anchorman 2” later this year, and I can only hope that a series develops for this character.
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home?” – Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home?” – Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home?”
Bon Jovi had a huge hit with Jennifer Nettles from “Sugarland” on the country and pop charts.
“Goin’ Back to Cali” – LL Cool J
“Goin’ Back to Cali” – LL Cool J
Again, perhaps too “on the nose,” but I’m celebrating the Kangol here.
“Stylin’, profilin’ …”
“Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” – Metallica
“Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” – Metallica
It’s a haunting song that makes you pause and let’s you sit back for quite a while (pre-radio hit condensed song units). Jim Irsay’s comments this week had many people scratching their heads and brought out the Peyton Manning supporters nationwide.
“All Over Now” – The Rolling Stones
“All Over Now” – The Rolling Stones
“Well I used to love her … but it’s all over now.”
Maybe it’s too “on the nose.”
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” – Ozzy Osbourne
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” – Ozzy Osbourne
This one came off of the “No More Tears” album. I debated several other Ozzy songs, including “I Don’t Know,” but sometimes you have to go with the chalk.
“Home Sweet Home” – Motley Crue
“Home Sweet Home” – Motley Crue
“I’m on my way …”
Tell me that you didn’t pull out a lighter (or the flashlight function on your phone) when you saw that title. Nikki Sixx and the boys continue their domination of crowds and just rolled up a residence in Las Vegas.
“Old Man” – Neil Young
“Old Man” – Neil Young
This one came in as a Twitter suggestion when I tossed this suggestion up.
“Love lost, such a cost,
Give me things
that don’t get lost.
Like a coin that won’t get tossed
Rolling home to you.”
“Love Hurts” – Nazareth
“Love Hurts” – Nazareth
“Love hurts, love scars,
Love wounds, and mars,
Any heart, not tough,
Or strong, enough”
“Coming Home” – Cinderella
“Coming Home” – Cinderella
I just felt like I needed another hair metal song …
“I took a walk down a road
It’s the road I was meant to stay
I see the fire in your eyes
But a man’s got to make his way
So are you tough enough for my love?
Just close your eyes to the heaven above
I’m coming home”
“I took a walk down a road
It’s the road I was meant to stay
I see the fire in your eyes
But a man’s got to make his way
So are you tough enough for my love?
Just close your eyes to the heaven above
I’m coming home”
“Never Say Goodbye” – Bon Jovi
“Never Say Goodbye” – Bon Jovi
Just hit that high note toward the end. You know you try it at karaoke.
“St. Gregory” – Twilight Singers
“St. Gregory” – Twilight Singers
I had to dive into some Greg Dulli and “Twilight Singers.” I could do a whole slideshow with some of the lyrical brilliance of “Gutter Twins,” “The Afghan Whigs” or other “Twilight Singers” to capture this topic, but we’ll save some for another time.
“hey there, boy
so good to see you again-
i heard your woman left you-
i heard you quit your band,
how you on money?
you still feeing that jones?
man, you don’t look like you used to
my god, you look like a ghost”
“Used To Love Her” – Guns N’ Roses
“Used To Love Her” – Guns N’ Roses
OK, so it takes a bad turn toward the end of this baker’s dozen, but you “Take it for what it is.”
