College football star Peyton Manning said the N.F.L. showed him the money, but he passed it up. Manning announced on March 5 that he had decided to finish his senior year at the University of Tennessee rather than sign a big-money pro contract. "I'm human--$25 million, $30 million--believe me, I looked at the money," said the quarterback. But remaining a college student, said Manning "was strongest in my heart." Manning's decision scored points with fans, athletes and coaches. Said New York Jets head coach Bill Parcells: "I admire his decision and think it took courage to make it."

Daily News from TIME for Kids

March 21, 1997 World Report