Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts in the second half after setting the NFL single season passing yardage record against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning has a big chance to add to his legacy by winning a second Super Bowl ring and finally putting the dumb “choker” label to rest, and Manning knows that he doesn’t have much time left to grab that second championship. While he isn’t expected to retire after this season and probably won’t retire after the 2014 season, the elephant in the room when discussing Manning’s future in the NFL is the heath of his neck.
According to sources close to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Manning will decide his future in the NFL after pondering offseason neck exams. If his neck checks out clean, then there’s no doubt that Manning will continue playing, even if he does get another Super Bowl win. But if Manning’s neck exam doesn’t go well, then that’s when “Will Peyton Manning retire?” would become a legitimate question.
The sources told Mort that Manning’s neck exam will take place in March, so we won’t know about any potential issues until then. In my opinion, it is extremely unlikely for Manning to end up retiring, especially since sources also told Mortensen that the Broncos playoff performance (losing this afternoon against the San Diego Chargers or winning it all in February at the Meadowlands) this year won’t have an impact on his final decision.