In September 2011, Fox Sports reported that world famous quarterback Peyton Manning traveled to Europe for an experimental stem cell treatment for his neck injuries, which included a bulging disc not solved by numerous surgeries.
While details of Manning’s stem-cell therapy treatments abroad are scarce, with the location of the hospital and country unknown, they don’t seem to be having any negative side effects.
After four neck surgeries and a year off, the NFL star led the Denver Broncos on an 11 game winning steak for the 2012 season (Update: and helped win the 2016 Super Bowl!).
Is this proof that America is falling behind in revolutionizing stem cell research?
Other big names have reportedly traveled abroad to receive stem cell therapies – including Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Reports that the late Farah Fawcett traveled to Germany for treatments were denied in a 2009 documentary.
If Peyton Manning maintains his positive momentum, he may unknowingly become a pioneer to inspire stem cell research in the United States.
UPDATE
May 2016: State Senator Bruce Thompson referenced Peyton Manning to help make the case for why the State of Georgia should research stem cells – Georgia Spearheads Stem Cell Research in 2016