Teen killed by drunk driver receives birthday gift from Peyton Manning

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - Tuesday would have been Logan Brown's 16th birthday.

His family received a gift that Logan would have considered a gift of a lifetime.

Peyton Manning sent them a handwritten letter and an autographed picture. Manning was one of Logan's favorite football players.

His grandma, Gayle Ricketts, decided she would write a letter directly to Peyton sharing Logan's story.

Logan was killed in March at the hands of a drunk driver.

"As a grandmother I felt like I should let Peyton know this young man idolized him and what he meant in his life," said Ricketts.

It was a birthday surprise the family didn't expect.

"It blew me away," said Ricketts. "I called Charles when the letter came. I didn't even open it. I called Charles to come over. I said the Broncos answered me."

Peyton sent an autographed picture and a hand written letter. He told the family he was honored Logan was such a big fan.

"When he was little we took him to a football game," said Ricketts. "That's when he first really liked Peyton and then when Peyton moved to the Broncos, he kind of deserted the Colts."

Logan stayed a loyal fan of Peyton's. The family planned to take Logan to a Broncos game but that day never came.

Logan's dad, Charles, says this gesture from Peyton is more than just a birthday gift, it's inspirational.

"To take the time to send something back to a situation in Evansville, Indiana that he probably doesn't know anything about," said Brown. "It's important to see that they're humans and for these other kids to see you never forget where you come from."

Family members say this gift is one gift he really would have cherished.

"And I know Logan is up there looking down. He's smiling. I think he will be happy," said Ricketts.