Peyton Manning credits legendary Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt with helping him make one of the most difficult decisions of his early career. In 1997, Manning was torn between entering the NFL draft after his junior season at Tennessee or returning for his senior year. He sought advice from Summitt during a challenging period for her Lady Vols team.

Summitt, who had led Tennessee since 1974, spent two hours with Manning in her office, offering wisdom that ultimately convinced him to return to Knoxville. Her guidance came during a tough stretch when the Lady Vols had fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in over a decade after losing five of eight games. Manning's decision proved pivotal as Summitt's team went on to win their second consecutive national title that season.

Manning, who serves as honorary co-chair of The Pat Summitt Foundation, reflects on their lifelong friendship and Summitt's battle with Alzheimer's disease. The foundation has awarded over $6 million to organizations supporting research and patient care. Manning will present "Celebrating Pat Summitt: Live Reunion Special" on ESPN2, sharing stories about the coach who transformed women's basketball with eight national titles and 1,098 career victories.