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Just before training camp started late last month, the Denver Broncos signed an undrafted rookie kicker to give incumbent Matt Prater some camp competition. That kicker, Mitch Ewald, played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers, scoring 320 career points.
As it turns out, Ewald is quite the Peyton Manning fan. After signing with the team, Ewald used #PlayingWithPeyton on Twitter:
Incredibly excited and humbled by this mornings signing with The Broncos. This place is a world class organization. #PlayingWithPeyton
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 23, 2014
Since then, Ewald has given his 1,334 followers daily updates on camp and, of course, #PlayingWithPeyton.
Day 1 almost in the books. Still yet to talk to number 18, but it's coming. We're locker neighbors. #PlayingWithPeyton
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 24, 2014
This is a professional football player who's practically giddy to meet his team's quarterback. Priceless.
Told y'all it was coming. #18 just formally introduced himself. The day is now complete. #PlayingWithPeyton
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 24, 2014
Oh, maybe he's just a funny man. It can't be that big of a deal to him, right?
Trying to build team chemistry with #18, so I had to order his favorite late night snack. #PlayingWithPeyton pic.twitter.com/S3nRTWzsOH
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 25, 2014
It just got real.
Got in #18's stretch line today for good luck... It worked, 0/0 today on FG and no KO. Day 2, day off. Pro ball is legit. #PlayingWithPeyton
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 25, 2014
This guy purposely got in Peyton's stretching line at practice. Okay, okay, you're over it now, right, Mitch? Not everything has to include #PlayingWithPeyton, right?
First practice at Mile High today, rookies stand. #PlayingWithPeyton pic.twitter.com/qxWkjBOaY5
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 27, 2014
Haven't left my hotel bed once on this off day... Legs feel like two by fours. #PlayingWithPeyton
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 29, 2014
Nothing deep about playing football in the NFL? Everything's about #PlayingWithPeyton?
A normal person could not handle the ups and downs of this game. Guaranteed.
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) July 31, 2014
There it is! A tweet from Mitch Ewald since he signed with Denver that does not mention Manning. But it didn't last long . . .
Always a good day at Mile High stadium when you start off in 18's stretch line... #PlayingWithPeyton #RookieHaircut pic.twitter.com/sn8xm2fdiv
— Mitch Ewald (@MitchEwald) August 2, 2014
You're a funny man, Mitch. And we can't blame you. Everybody loves Peyton.
Everybody.