By Darin From record-shattering contracts to one of the league’s biggest scandals, March 2 has seen the NFL at its most ambitious and its most controversial. Whether it was the Indianapolis Colts betting the farm on Peyton Manning with a then-unprecedented $98 million deal in 2004, or the league rocking the sports world in 2012 by uncovering the “Bountygate” scandal, this date is a focal point for gridiron drama. Dive into the archives as we explore the massive legacy of the Sheriff, the fallout in New Orleans, and the legendary collegiate careers of Hall of Famers Wayne Meylan and John Sciarra.
Let’s appreciate some gridiron art from long ago….
March 2 American Football History Timeline
- March 2, 2004, the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Peyton Manning to a 7-year, $98 million deal with a $34.5 million signing bonus. To that date, it was the largest package in NFL history. Manning rewarded the franchise by winning a Super Bowl Championship and losing another title game. He was eventually replaced after a neck injury, but returned triumphantly in Denver to win another Super Bowl game. He was in 14 Pro Bowls, was the NFL MVP 5 times, and held numerous other awards and records per Pro Football Reference.
- March 2, 2012 – Bountygate – NFL establishes the existence of a bounty program at the New Orleans Saints from 2009-11. The Saints players had allegedly been given incentives by Defensive Coordinator Greg Williams to injure opposing players. Head Coach Sean Payton, along with GM Mickey Loomis and Williams, were all suspended for the 2012 season as a result of the findings.
March 2 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Conclusion
March 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the high stakes inherent in professional and collegiate football. It marks the moment Peyton Manning became the gold standard for franchise quarterbacks and the day the “Bountygate” investigation changed how the league approaches player safety and coaching accountability. Combined with the storied legacies of UCLA’s John Sciarra and Nebraska’s Wayne Meylan, today’s anniversaries capture the full spectrum of the sport—from the glory of the Rose Bowl to the complex business of the modern NFL.
Miss a day? Jump back and read the history of March 1.
Big thanks to our sources, including Newspapers.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com.
