Former University of Tennessee athlete Peyton Manning remembered Pat Summitt Tuesday. Summitt died after a fight with Alzheimer's disease.
In an appearance onESPN's SportsCenter, Manning said Tuesday was "a very sad day for the Tennessee family."
“Speaking for me, Pat was a great friend to me, a great resource, and even though I never played for her I always felt like she was kind of one of my coaches," he said. "I used to lean on her for advice."
Manning said he went to her when he was trying to decide whether to go pro, or stay in school for his senior year.
He ended up staying, and was drafted No. 1 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998.
Manning played for Tennessee from 1994-97.
“The word icon and the word legend is probably used too much in today's sports society, but it is certainly appropriate when describing Pat Summitt,” he said. “That’s what she was. For those that knew her, I know I speak for all of them, when they say it was certainly an honor to call her a friend. I know that’s how I feel. Because she truly was the best.”
