Former Northwestern Quarterback to Replace Peyton Manning

DENVER, CO - When NFL legend Peyton Manning retired in March, football fans already began to wonder who will be the “next” Peyton Manning.

That answer is former Northwestern University gunslinger Trevor Siemian.

At least in terms of being the next starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Siemian was named the Broncos’ opening day starter by Head Coach Gary Kubiak this week, according to multiple reports.

“He was pretty darn freaking consistent,” Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald told USA TODAY. “I mean, really, from the day he showed up until the day that he left. He just approached everything very systematically.”

Siemian tossed for more than 2,000 yards for the Wildcats in 2013 and 2014 and was drafted by the Broncos in the 7th round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He only took one snap his rookie year, a kneel-down to end the first half of a regular season game, and won a Super Bowl ring.

He’ll have some pretty big shoes to fill as the Denver quarterback. Manning led the team to four playoff appearances - including a Super Bowl championship last season - in as many years as the team’s starter. Manning spent the majority of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, where he cemented most of his hall-of-fame credentials.

Siemian will get his first real NFL action in the NFL season opener, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8 when the Broncos host the Carolina Panthers.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons license agreement