NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 12. Colts didn’t release Peyton Manning

Some players are seemingly meant to play for one NFL franchise. Quarterback Peyton Manning appeared to be one of them. After 12 years of great play and consistent Super Bowl runs, Manning was released in 2012 by owner Jim Irsay due to what many believed was a career-ending neck injury.

Considering the amount of success Manning went on to have shortly after, fans will always wonder what if he stayed?

As a member of the Denver Broncos, Manning played four more seasons in the league. He didn’t just return to the elite but he was arguably the best player in the NFL. Manning took home the MVP award in 2013 after throwing for 5,477 yards, 55 touchdowns and only ten interceptions. The Broncos were immediate contenders during his time there, making two Super Bowl trips and taking home one title. With his predecessor in Andrew Luck only playing six seasons with Manning’s old team before hanging up his cleats, the Colts were better off keeping Manning. There’s a good chance he would’ve brought his old franchise even more Super Bowl rings.