default-cbs-image

Beginning in 2017, Peyton Manning will live forever at Lucas Oil Stadium. Well, as long as they don't rip him out of the ground.

On Thursday, the Colts announced more details about Manning's statue, which they originally unveiled plans for back in March when Manning retired. For one, it will be completed in 2017.

And, a local sculptor and fireman of 13 years, Ryan Feeney, will build the statue. According to the Colts' release, he created the Peace Dove sculpture at the Indianapolis library, the Fallen Deputy Memorial at the Marion County Jail, and the bronze eagle at the 9/11 Memorial in Indianapolis.

"Ryan Feeney is not only very talented, but also a great representative of our community," said Colts owner Jim Irsay said in the team's release. "I am excited to see this project begin."

Luckily, we won't have to wait until 2017 to know what the statue will look like. Unluckily, the team passed up the chance to immortalize the Manning Face ...


... in favor of a more normal rendering.

usatsi9194101.jpg
A rendering of the Peyton Manning statue that will arrive in 2017. USATSI

We also don't have to wait to know it's purpose. Luckily, it includes leaving cans of Budweiser for Manning.

"(The statue) will be a destination spot for all of our fans ... to leave cans of Budweiser or notes for (Manning)," Irsay said in March, per the team's website. "We couldn't be more excited about the statues. It's not too often you build statues for people, particularly in their lifetime, but we are really excited about putting this iconic statue in front of Lucas Oil Stadium where it will stand for many, many years."

In Manning's Colts career, which spanned 13 years, he threw for 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns. More importantly, he brought home a Super Bowl.