Peyton Manning eulogizes Pat Summitt during celebration of life

Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning spoke at late Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summit's Celebration of Life ceremony on Thursday, sharing his experience with the Volunteers legend.

"It is a rarity to attend a celebration of life service for someone who literally changed history," Manning said. "That's what we're doing."

Manning remembered his time as a Volunteer fondly, saying Summit's reach extended to all sports, including the football team.

"Every Tennessee football player, including me, would have been proud to have been coached by Pat Summitt," Manning said. "As a coach and person, Pat did more than out think uncertainty ... she stared down doubts."

Manning was among several paying tribute to Summit. Other speakers included current Lady Vols head coach Holly Warlick and WNBA star Tamika Catchings.

Following Summitt's death at age 64 in late June, Manning credited her as someone he turned to for advice, including his decision to return to college for his senior year.

"She was one of the people I consulted with following my junior year when I was deciding whether to turn pro early or stay in college," Manning said. "She gave me some very valuable advice during that time. My teammates and I went to a lot of Lady Vols games when we were in school, and I really enjoyed watching her teams play."