Throughout his storied NFL career, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has gained fans from all over the world as he became one of the best players at his position.
One of them happens to be Jessica Astorga, a 13-year US Air Force veteran who was previously deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. As she worked at a hospital thousands of miles away from America, one of her favorite past times was watching NFL games on TV in the hospital’s break room.
It was here where she became a fan of Manning as she watched him carve up defenses and establish himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
So when Manning found out about Astorga’s story and how she became a fan of his, the two-time Super Bowl champion surprised her with a heartwarming gesture: a video call to tell her that he’s also a fan of hers after hearing about her story.
Jessica Astorga served 13 years in the @usairforce and continues to help veterans in her community.
She’s also a huge Peyton Manning fan. And she didn’t see this surprise video call coming. #SaluteToService | @wovenwomenvets pic.twitter.com/slRedf7H9t
— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2020
The 44-year old former Colts quarterback particularly commended Astorga’s work with WoVen, an all-women support group of war veterans, of which she is a part of after being diagnosed with depression and being discharged from the military.
Manning also asked the Air Force veteran about her college team, the Auburn Tigers, which currently hold a 4-2 record and are coming off a big win over LSU, with Astorga saying humorously that while they are doing good, “they can be better.”
While the veteran’s day was certainly made by the surprise call from her favorite football player, it is clear that the five-time NFL MVP was likewise inspired by Astorga’s story and the good work that she is doing to help other female veterans.
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