Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws in the pocket against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning definitely isn’t going to retire this offseason, and John Fox confirmed that at the Combine, and he made that confirmation with a smile. It was reported during the regular season by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that Manning would decide on his NFL future after meeting with doctors to discuss the health of his neck, but there is just about no doubt that Manning will be out there next season, especially after the way the 2013 season ended.
According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Jeff Legwold, Broncos GM John Elway stated that Manning is expected to meet with doctors next week in order to evaluate his neck fusion. It will be interesting to see what the doctors say, but I view Manning as a lock to return next season and put up some more gaudy stats.
Elway also believes that Manning will be “fine” going forward, so there should be no worries regarding his NFL future. His contract doesn’t run out until after the 2016 season, and I expect him to play through that contract before retiring when he’s 40. With an average of 8.3 yards per attempt last season and a TD:INT ratio of 5.5:1, Manning will have three more years to add to a ridiculously good all-time resume.