Get All Access for $5/mo

Peyton Manning Shares the 'Embarrassing' Locker Room Moment That Transformed His Leadership Style The former quarterback's first college huddle taught him a valuable lesson.

By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • Peyton Manning took his father's advice when he was a freshman quarterback — and it didn't go as planned.
  • The athlete learned the value of "silent leadership" and used it to make an impact over the course of his career.
Andy Lyons | Getty Images

Two-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time NFL MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Peyton Manning knows what it takes to lead a team to success. Over the course of his career as starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, then the Denver Broncos, the superstar athlete became as well known for his leadership skills as his football prowess.

But, just like everyone else, Manning had to learn how to lead his team the right way.

The day before the start of the 2023 NFL season, the former quarterback sat down with General Electric chairman and CEO Larry Culp at GE's "Lean Mindset" event in Chelsea, New York, where a range of industry leaders — from professional athletes like Manning and Giannis Antetokounmpo to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and more — unpacked how to build team cultures fostering innovation, efficiency and constant improvement.

Related: 7 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Peyton Manning

During his conversation with Culp, Manning recalled a moment from his college football days that changed his approach to leadership for good.

Growing up, Manning's father, Archie Manning, a quarterback who'd played in the NFL for 13 seasons, always told his son that the position came with the responsibility to step up and lead his team.

When Manning was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Tennessee, that's exactly what he did. It was his first game; the team was losing, and Manning, initially benched, was put into play. In the huddle that followed — with some much older teammates — the young quarterback heeded his father's advice and gave a pep talk in an attempt to inspire confidence.

One of Manning's teammates was far from impressed. Manning said the 6'5", 330-pound left tackle said, "Hey freshman, shut the 'blank' up and call the 'blanking' play."

According to Manning, the "embarrassing" incident taught him a valuable lesson in leadership. "These new co-workers — these teammates — didn't want to hear what I had to say until I earned their respect," Manning said.

So Manning pivoted to what he dubs "silent leadership," demonstrating through his actions — showing up for his team, staying humble and constantly striving to improve — that he could be an effective leader.

And the quarterback's strategy worked — first on his college team, then during his NFL career.

Related: 8 Motivational Peyton Manning Quotes | Entrepreneur

Despite some well-intended advice that fell flat in that first huddle, Manning's father was still his "hero" and role model when he was a young athlete, and the former quarterback says everyone should find that person who can see them through the next challenge or setback.

"At no point should we stop being coached ourselves," Manning said. "No matter what level of success, we all hit a plateau at some point, and you need a coach to get you back on track. That can be a coach, teacher, co-worker, boss — somebody who is honest and candid with you. Don't ever stop going back to that person."

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

5 Trends Every American Small Business Owner Needs to Watch in 2016

Technology will continue to cost less but borrowing is becoming more expensive. Don't expect much substantial from Washington in an election year.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.