He could have chosen Tennessee, too, which has talented wideouts Kenny Britt and Nate Washington.

WSJ: Mountains in Peyton Manning's Way

And there's another good pair of hands, there, too: While Britt was out last season with a knee injury, Nate Washington was No. 11 in the NFL with 10 receptions of more than 20 yards.

WSJ: Peyton Manning: The Decision, Part Deux

"Coaches feel intense pressure to win, and they'll do anything to make it happen, " said Nate Ewell, former vice president of communications for the Washington Capitals.

WSJ: Tortorella Press Conference Etiquette 101