Manning already earned his ring - his legacy is solidified regardless of the outcome against the Saints. Had he still been chasing the ring, he still would have been labeled as "cannot win the big game," but he got that monkey off of his back.

Just ask Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Dan Marino, Barry Bonds, Don Mattingly, or Dan Fouts - they would have traded many of their records and individual accolades for a championship.