Broncos LB Brandon Marshall: Peyton Manning got me off practice squad

Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall became a full-time starter in 2014. If not for Peyton Manning, his ascent may have come much later, if at all.

On the eve of Denver's 24-10 Super Bowl 50 win over Carolina, Manning reportedly got emotional while speaking to his teammates about the challenge ahead. Marshall said he was especially touched because the quarterback played a pivotal role in his rise from the practice squad to the active roster, per Pro Football Talk.

Manning's speech obviously inspired the entire Broncos defense to get him his second ring before he quite possibly calls it a career. Considering Manning and the offense mustered just 194 total yards, the future Hall of Famer probably already knew his defense was going to have to do most of the heavy lifting against the Panthers.