Read Nissan's Poorly Timed Letter To Peyton Manning

Nissan thought it would be a good idea to offer suddenly free agent QB/deity Peyton Manning a free Nissan Titan PRO-4X truck if he agreed to play for the Tennessee Titans. It seems they timed it out perfectly so it would hit the news cycle well in advance of Peyton deciding where he'd go.

Oh, wait. He's going to Denver? That's bad timing. It's not like any of us notoriously lazy auto journalists would still publish that story today.

Oh, wait, someone did? Underestimate the inattentiveness and apathy of car journalists at your own peril, Nissan. UPDATE!

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

UPDATE: A Nissan spokesman wanted us to let you know that the offer still stands regardless of Manning's move to Denver. They will happily give him the truck or donate it to charity for them.

Photo Credit: AP