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This much I do know…….whenever they say it’s NOT about the money, it’s ALL about the money. Following several career-threatening neck surgeries, Peyton Manning sat out last season (and received $23M while doing so). Come March 8th, if Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay doesn’t cut him, Peyton Manning will be due the tidy sum of $28M as a roster bonus.
If Manning is cut, he will instantly become a free agent at 36. He says he’s NOT retiring! The Redskins, Browns, Seahawks, Jets, Dolphins, and yes the Tennessee Titans too are all waiting in the wings if the axe falls (I’m betting on the Dolphins since he owns a condo on South Beach Miami). Peyton Manning’s doctors have cleared him to play, but Jim Irsay says the Colts’ doctors have not yet examined him.
As everyone knows the Super Bowl was just played in Peyton’s town and in the stadium that Peyton built. However, coming into Super Bowl week, the big news was projected to be all about the rise of Peyton’s little brother Eli to the status of “elite” quarterback, the legendary Patriot duo of Brady and Belichick going after their 4th championship together, or perhaps the revenge factor from the 2008 Super Bowl that the Giants won over the Pats by three. Irsay and Peyton both agreed prior to this week to postpone ALL discussions and media interplay until the week AFTER the Super Bowl.
So, what does Peyton Manning do first thing on Monday?…..schedule an exclusive interview with ESPN’s Trey Wingo announcing to the world how great he feels. This was followed by Irsay’s incessant tweeting throughout the rest of the week. Irsay has insisted, “I have no problems with Peyton”, as he keeps trying to put on a happy face for what has become an ugly public spectacle. Apparently, a gentlemen’s agreement between two massive egos to shut their yaps doesn’t mean anything! If they just BOTH would have kept their promise to hold off posturing until after the Super Bowl trophy is awarded. I also happen to believe Peyton may in fact be a little jealous that his younger brother has a chance to double the number of rings he has. What do you think?
Peyton Manning has received just about every conceivable NFL accolade. He’s been the NFL MVP a record four times, gone to the Pro Bowl 11 times, voted the AFC Player of the Year six times, and won the 2007 Super Bowl. He has passed for 399 TDs (3rd) and 54,828 yards (3rd), while completing 64.9% of his passes (4th). In 2010, he was even named the 8th best player in NFL history! The man is, or more appropriately WAS a legend. However, given this lofty status and extraordinary popularity among all fans, I feel that he’s always remained a bit on the pouty side….before, during, and after tough losses or isolated failures on the field. Based on his comments from Monday, he’s now set-up Irsay to be the “Bad Guy”, especially with Colt followers.
Even if Manning is “cleared” by Colt physicians, I seriously doubt he will ever be the same quarterback. Just how much will he lose though? Maybe 80% of Peyton Manning for a couple of years is worth something to somebody? Somebody out there WILL pay him because he wants to keep playing. But if I’m Jim Irsay, I bank my future on the two-time Heisman runner-up from Stanford and cut my losses with the old franchise QB. Come on; join me in a chorus of Rocky Top one last time!
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You can go ahead and add Arizona and Kansas City to the list too.
I’m starting to think that Seattle is the ideal location for Peyton Manning… followed by Arizona. However, living in the DC area, there’s been a lot of recent positive comments about Peyton playing for this town. I think we’ll find out more as Peyton Manning begins his interview process of these teams. That’s what I believe this story is going to evolve to… I wonder what @craig.samara and @rick.samara thinks???
Can you imagine Peyton pitching to Sidney Rice? Plus, I’m hearing that Seattle has a good offensive line! And, I know they have revitalized hard nosed running back! Can anyone comment on their defense? This is a team that could scare me in the NFC as a Packer fanatic!
It’s all over now! If it’s all about $$$ (and it ALWAYS is), Manning will go where the vault is wide open……Miami Dolphins.
What? Where he’s got to play Brady twice a year? The bucks are not Peyton Manning’s primary motive. I heard an interesting story yesterday that Peyton Manning’s marketability will last long beyond his playing career. So, he’ll always have the $$$.
I believe his overriding criteria is winning Super Bowls, and what team provides him the best venue to do that. Also, he’s a dome, fast track QB. Therefore I discount all teams above the Mason Dixon, except Seattle. And, definitely throw in KC. Miami can get sloppy at times. The only domed team left is Arizona. And, imagine Peyton Manning pitching to Larry Fitzgerald. Gotta think Larry is getting wood on this thought. But, Seattle has better overall personnel.
NFC suitors are OUT! We’ll know where Peyton is going within the week. I still say Miami……and the Dolphins will make cap room for Reggie Wayne too! I know this to be true because LaBron and D-Wade said so.
This Peyton Manning guy is driving my bonkers. Since Pieved posted, there have been changes. First of all, NFC suitors are back on the list for Peyton Manning. I believed they were eliminated, but apparently not. Manning worked out for the 49ers! I don’t know about you, but this sends me a clear signal. He is looking for the best team to get him to the Super Bowl. Still, I don’t think this is good move for the 49ers. I don’t think Peyton Manning’s and Jim Harbaugh’s personalities will mix well in San Francisco.Peyton also said that Miami and Arizona are out of the mix. That leaves Denver and Tennessee. Take John Elway and the Tennessee owner out of the equation… Who has the better team structure to deliver to Peyton. I think it’s Tennessee. Yet, there is another screw to this puzzle. If Manning plays for the Titans, he is playing in the same division as his old team. He’ll be playing against his Colts twice a year and probably drubbing them for the next few years. This is a little like Brett Favre playing for the Vikings and kicking Green Bay’s ass. What does this do to Peyton Manning’s legacy in Indy?What do you think?
Manningham to the 49ers……..that might be just the thing to bring enormo-head to the west coast! He’s not telling the Broncos, Titans or 49ers when he’ll make a decision. This tells me he’s thinking about somebody else too.
Is John Elway that good of a negotiator, or is Peyton suffering a little too much from hero worship?