AP

Here’s a story about Peyton Manning that has nothing to do with not being traded or taking a pay cut — and it may be the most important Peyton Manning story of the week.

The Broncos quarterback took a moment to send an autographed photo and a handwritten letter to a fan in Indiana, an act which meant far more to the recipients than just acquiring a souvenir.

Logan Brown of Evansville, Ind. was a huge Manning fan from his days with the Colts. But Brown was killed in March in an accident involving a drunk driver.

According to WFIE 14, his grandmother sent a letter to Manning, telling him that her grandson idolized him.

Tuesday would have been Brown’s 16th birthday, and when the package arrived from Manning, the family was blown away.

“As a grandmother I felt like I should let Peyton know this young man idolized him and what he meant in his life,” Gayle Ricketts said.

So imagine their surprise when they saw the note, telling them he was honored that Logan was a fan of his.

“To take the time to send something back to a situation in Evansville, Indiana that he probably doesn’t know anything about,” Charles Brown, Logan’s father said. “It’s important to see that they’re humans and for these other kids to see you never forget where you come from.”

And that’s the kind of gesture that will last, no matter where Manning plays.