Nissan Attempted to Lure Manning to Tennessee

It looks like Peyton Manning will probably go to Denver to play for the Broncos despite Nissan's attempts to return the NFL quarterback to his Tennessee roots. The automaker offered to "make him a Titan" to make playing for the Tennessee Titans a bit more appealing. The Titans were on Manning's short list of NFL teams, though Nissan says it will build him a 2012 Titan Pro-4X pickup truck regardless of whether the quarterback signed with the team. Tennessee was a popular pick for most football analysts since Manning has a history there: Before going to the NFL, he played for the University of Tennessee. Nissan, whose North American operations are based in Nashville suburb Franklin, Tenn., sent Manning an open letter outlining the offer. Read the letter after the jump. An Open Letter to Peyton Manning: Dear Peyton, We hope it's okay to be informal and call you Peyton. You've been like one of the family to sports fans, especially Tennesseans, since your record-setting college days at the University of Tennessee.  Like you, we at Nissan North America were not all born to Rocky Top. But it is now home to our corporate headquarters and three manufacturing facilities employing more than 6,000 Tennesseans. At Nissan, we too have fans all over the U.S.A. and we appreciate them all. And like all of your fans, we're awaiting your decision on where to play next season. While we are in no position to sign you to any particular NFL franchise, we at Nissan North America want to make you a Titan – a 2012 Nissan Titan – as a gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to our national community. We extend this offer on behalf of a nation of football fans and Nissan fans, not necessarily to influence your decision. So next time you're in Nashville, give us a call and we'll bring the keys. Sincerely, Nissan North America from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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