Manning's NFL future may hinge on neck exam

[ThomasTomasz]

We were talking a little about this in the Super Bowl thread, figured it could stand on it's own as a topic. The article was posted last Sunday.

Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's NFL future beyond this season won't be decided until he has an offseason exam on his surgically repaired neck, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.

"If the exam reveals that his neck is stable, Manning plans to return to the Broncos in 2014, regardless of how Denver fares this postseason, according to sources," Mortensen writes. "But if there is an increased risk of injury, Manning will be forced to decide whether to retire, sources said."

Earlier this week, Manning raised eyebrows when he said, "The light is at the end of the tunnel for me, no question." The 37-year-old has been in the league since 1998, when the Colts drafted him first overall, and he had four neck surgeries before arriving in Denver prior to the 2012 season.

If Manning does end up calling it a career, Brock Osweiller, who was taken in the second round of the 2012 draft, would be his likely replacement.

On Sunday morning, hours before the Broncos were to host the Chargers in the AFC Divisional game, the Denver Post ran this on the front page of their playoff section with the caption: "Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been heavenly during the regular season, but merely mortal in the postseason with a 9-11 record that ranks poorly among the all-time greats."

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...ings-nfl-future-hinges-on-offseason-neck-exam

 

[ram29jackson]

look, its not like you cant figure out he's taking chances now as is.

I hope he doesn't get blindside whipped from behind in the Super Bowl. But if Seattle just breaths on Mannings helmet a penalty will happen anyway LOL

 

[Golden Taters]

Going to be really weird when he finally does retire. Ever since I've been watching football Manning was always out there, it was a bad feeling not seeing him a couple years ago when he was hurt.

I do like Brock Osweiller, I thought he was a great prospect back at Arizona State and learning under Manning will really benefit him.

 

[Influence]

Peyton should retire if he wins the superbowl this year. Retire when you're at the top of your game. Don't go out like Favre, which ended by a hit. He's a first ballot hall of famer, and has a lock on getting his jersey retired in Indy. He really has nothing to lose if he leaves. Money will not be an issue with him after the NFL. He will have many opportunitys coming out of the league to make more money. He would be a great commentator.

 

[Tailback U]

I don't want him to retire until he needs to.

He just had the best season of his career and is showing no signs of slowing down. He has at least 1-2 good seasons left in him and he's the best quarterback I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Hope he plays forever.