Two former University of Tennessee teammates will be reunited in Denver, even if they'll be on different teams in different sports.
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was the last quarterback to start ahead of Manning when the new Broncos quarterback was a freshman at Tennessee. Helton was a junior in Manning's freshman year and started the season as the back-up to Jerry Colquitt. Colquitt was hurt in UCLA and Helton took over, starting the next three games before Helton was injured and wasn't needed on the football field for the Vols again.
A five-time All-Star, Helton said he's excited Manning chose to sign with the Broncos.
"It was well thought out. Denver is a good fit. Personally, I am thrilled. I love it," Helton told the Denver Post. "He's a hard worked and fans are going to love him. And I am sure the fans are excited to have him here."
While there have been multiple reports about Manning and his arm strength, Helton is one of the few people who can give a first-hand account. Helton joined him at Duke University during the offseason to work out with the Blue Devils' coach, David Cutcliffe, who was the Volunteers' offensive coordinator while Manning and Helton were on Rocky Top.
"He was the throwing the ball as well as I'd ever seen him," Helton told MLB.com. "I'm an untrained eye, but I know it hurt when I caught it."
Helton said he didn't try to sway Manning toward the Rockies, but was certainly happy his friend chose Denver.
"When he was in Indy, it wasn't a city we traveled to," Helton told the New York Times. "I was just hoping he would go to a city we play at. To have him in Denver is great. It's great for their organization and for the city of Denver."
