http://www.wivb.com/dpp/sports/ub_bu...ving-his-Dream
INDIANAPOLIS (WIVB) - "Its pretty cool." That's how Drew Willy describes his current job, as a practice squad quarterback with the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. What makes it even cooler is that he's on same team as his hero, Peyton Manning.
Willy signed with the Colts last week. He is not on the active roster, but he's only the third quarterback on the team, behind Manning and backup Curtis Painter.
But what makes this a cool story starts in 2005. Willy was a freshman QB at U.B., thrown into a game against Western Michigan. He showed signs of the future by throwing for 288 yards and two touchdowns. At the time, an Bulls assistant coach was Brian Polian, son of Colts President and GM Bill Polian. Brian had his Dad get Manning to send a note to Willy. It told the young QB to keep up the good work, and focus on the mental part of the game. Brian Polian knew that Manning was the one NFL quarterback that Willy admired most, and thought the note would provide inspiration. It did, and WIlly proudly had it framed and hung it on the wall of his New Jersey home.
Five years later, Drew can get advice from Peyton by leaning over to him in the quarterback meeting room.
"It's pretty crazy how things work out."
It could be even crazier for Drew. While its a longshot, the Colts could activate him for the final three games of the season. With home field advantage clinched, they will likely limit Manning's playing time for the final three games. If they wanted a third QB on the active roster to play in case Painter was hurt, that could be Willy.
Guess where the Colts final game will be played? Buffalo, against the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Now that would really be "pretty cool."
Taken from Colts message board