Peyton Manning Trading Long-Term Health For Legacy

For many years, Peyton Manning has been one of the toughest guys in the NFL. For a while after Brett Farve retired Peyton Manning held the longest active QB career starts streak, getting to 221 total game; still good for the second longest streak in NFL history among quarterbacks.

What ended that streak, and his air of invincibility, was a neck injury that finally caught up with him in 2011. Whether the injury was the result of a singular hit or cumulative effects of playing quarterback is still up for debate, but what isn’t debatable is the change in Peyton Manning’s game following a series of surgeries to fuse part of his vertebrae in his neck.

The pre-surgery Peyton Manning will never be back. The guy that was known for laser-like strikes and a rocket arm has been replaced by post-surgery Peyton Manning. This version of Manning is the one that relies on high arching timing passes and bubble screens to amass the same yardage and TD’s he was accustomed to in Indianapolis. And while he seemed to show even more of his age in recent months, Peyton Manning is still a top-tier quarterback in the NFL. Despite the injuries, he seems to be committed to playing in 2015.

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The question Manning needs to ask himself going forward is simple: Is a chance at another championship ring worth the probability of large amounts of pain he will experience for the rest of his life after retirement?

Make no mistake, the answer to this question is not to be taken lightly. Manning has endured his fair share of pain and recovery time to prove to everyone he is still the guy that can lead a team to a Super Bowl. Early in his recovery from neck surgery, Manning told many close to him that he wasn’t sure if he’d ever be able to play again. And it was clear he’d never be the same quarterback again.

He has been quoted as saying, “I don’t believe I throw quite the same as before I was injured”. He is getting closer to 40, which means every hit he takes could be his last. Add on the partially torn quad muscle he played through towards the end of 2014, and you have to wonder if Manning’s elite playing days are over.

The long-term risks involved with most spinal fusion surgeries are headlined by severe pain caused from added pressure on the vertebrae both above and below the fused area of the spine. Manning will most likely have issues with neck pain even if he stops playing now; Imagine how bad it could be if he takes a few more direct shots to the affected area? The risks of playing in the NFL have always included the chance of permanent injury like paralysis. With the weakened condition of Manning’s neck, the risk of those types of injuries most likely go way up.

Is another ring worth it?

Whether he admits it or not, Peyton Manning cares about his legacy. Guys don’t make it to the NFL, let alone succeed like he has, if they are ok with being just a mediocre player. Manning wants to be the best, which means winning multiple championships while amassing the H.O.F. numbers he has. If he retires tomorrow, he is still going to the Hall, but would also be remembered as a guy who struggled in the biggest of games.

What Manning wants more than anything is to exit on a high; A Super Bowl trophy in his hands while putting his name into the ring for who the greatest quarterback to ever play. He seems to be willing to risk life changing injury to have just a chance at realizing this dream.

Hopefully, his decision to play in 2015 isn’t one he regrets down the road.

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