This is a happy day for Brett Favre and company, as his NFL record of 297 consecutive starts will undoubtedly go unchallenged moving forward. Today, at 1 PM, the Colts announced that Peyton Manning wouldn’t play in this year’s season opener against the Houston Texans.

Since being drafted in 1998, Peyton has started every regular season game (208) and currently holds the NFL’s active player record for consecutive starts. Speculation has persisted on Peyton’s availability because of his rehab difficulties resulting from his neck surgery this past May.

Colts nation is wild with anxiety as they haven’t been without their beloved Peyton since Jim Harbaugh in 1997. Peyton has led the Colts to nine AFC South titles and two Super Bowl appearances and is considered a first ballot hall of famer. Since taking the reigns in Indianapolis he instantly made the franchise a contender. Without him? Well the prognosis isn’t good.

The Colts recently signed couch quarterback Kerry Collins out of retirement because of their lack of options behind Manning. Curtis Painter was Peyton’s backup, but his inability to move the ball this pre-season led to the Colts begging Collins to come out of retirement. Collins started seven games for the Tennessee Titans last year before being replaced by Vince Young as the starter. The 38-year-old has had just two weeks to learn the Colts offense but all indications are that he’ll man the Colts offense this week.

No word on when Peyton will be available to play. Eli Manning, Peyton’s younger brother, is now the NFL’s current leader in consecutive starts amongst active players.

Correction: 3PM EST The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ronde Barber now holds the the NFL’s current consecutive start record with 183 games and counting.