Andy Lyons - Getty Images
5 months ago: INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 22: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts gives instructions to his teammates during the NFL against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Certainly didn't expect this news to come down this week. ESPN's Chris Mortensen dropped this bombshell on all of us a few minutes ago:
Peyton Manning medically cleared to resume NFL career, per sources. More coming on ESPN now. #NFL32
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) February 2, 2012
Now, I didn't think this would come down any time soon, but what does this mean? It doesn't mean that he's actually able to play again, but I guess it means he can go out there and try to not get plowed by defensive linemen. A couple reactions:
"@mortreport: Peyton Manning medically cleared to resume NFL career, per sources"~ Sources say.. Things just got interesting didn't they
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 2, 2012
So, Manning is cleared to be sacked by 320-pound lineman? Sorry if I'm a little hesitant to fully buy that report.
— Derek Schultz (@Schultz1260) February 2, 2012
Peyton being cleared is not news. We knew this when Watkins cleared him in November. Just more media fodder.
— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) February 2, 2012
Clearly Manning wants to play, and he's going to make it certain that he's ready to go for any team, whether it be the Colts or somebody else. This news doesn't change whether he's going to stay in Indianapolis or not, as I don't think anyone knows whether that is happening, and that includes Owner Jim Irsay. I have my suspicions, and feel pretty strongly about them, but I can't say 100% anything.
Let the craziness continue...
UPDATE: ESPN has an article up now, and here's a relevant paragraph, emphasis mine:
The sources said Watkins examined Manning recently in Los Angeles and concluded the stability in his neck would have allowed the quarterback to play this Sunday if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level.
So basically his neck is fine (I thought we knew that already), and he could play if his nerves regenerate, which we also already knew. Certainly seems like we're not learning anything new here.
0 recs | 78 comments
Yes!
this season has been a burning turd fire since labor day weekend. finally some good news on lord manning!
Rocky Top Manning - February 2, 2012
He's gonna be a Colt
There is NOTHING concrete that says otherwise.
Both parties have stated that they want the relationship to continue.
Sorry BBS, but saying anything else is simply reading between the lines and extrapolating out of context…
NanceyBoy - February 2, 2012
Right...
Jim Irsay has said that the Colts are in rebuilding mode, and are entering a new era. He’s said things like, “you can’t strap yourself against the cap for 3 seasons”, and “we have to make a business decision” blah blah blah.
Bruce Arians has also suggested that the Colts may have a new QB, and that Luck (a #1 QB) would benefit from playing right away.
Suggesting that Manning won’t be a Colt next year is NOT reading between the lines and extrapolating out of context. C’mon now.
kmbryant09 - February 2, 2012
It's funny...
to see you quote the same person who said “If Manning plays again, it’s as a Colt…” C’mon now.
He single handedly makes a team a playoff contender. He’s worth every damn dollar.
NanceyBoy - February 2, 2012
And another thing...
Why pay him 30 million to ride the pine and not pay him to actually play?!
NanceyBoy - February 2, 2012
When did I suggest that Manning would ride the pine?
Also – there’s been about 3,478 things said to/by the media in regards to Manning’s status. Some of them make it sound like Manning will always be a Colt. A lot of them make it sound like he won’t be. Recently, nearly every statement has made it seem like irsay and Manning are parting ways.
You can believe what you chose to believe. But suggesting that anyone who thinks Manning won’t be a Colt next year is simply “reading between the lines and extrapolating out of context” is very facetious.
kmbryant09 - February 2, 2012
Facetious
Look it up.
And Ride the Pine meant that Peyton didn’t play last season. I think people are discrediting Irsay paying Manning for zero playing time last season. I think that holds weight between the two of em…
NanceyBoy - February 2, 2012
Facetious:
Not meant to be taken seriously or literally. Lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential.
Your statement was facetious. Are you really arguing this?
And Irsay didn’t sign the contract knowing that Manning couldn’t play for all of 2011 and possibly the rest of his career. It was signed with the hope that he could return mid-season (at the latest) and finish out his career in Indianapolis. Oh, and also to avoid him signing with another team as a Free Agent. Do you suggest that Irsay shouldn’t have signed Manning last season?
By the way, all of this arguing is pointless. My original post was to show you that – just like some comments suggest Manning will remain a Colt – that many, MANY comments suggest that Manning won’t be a Colt next season…and calling out those who disagreed with you was very irresponsible of you.
kmbryant09 - February 2, 2012
My statement wasn't made to be taken seriously?
Irresponsible? Shouldn’t have signed him last year?
I think you’re reading way too much in to this…
And YOU are the one who started this argument.
I win by default.
Good game.
NanceyBoy - February 3, 2012
And here's what it boils down to...
Saying Manning will be a Colt relies on the FACT that he is still under contract. No extrapolating.
Saying Manning will not be a Colt relies on interpreting vague statements made by both parties that have never said anything definitive about his status with the team. THAT’S EXTRAPOLATING!
Grow up.
NanceyBoy - February 3, 2012
LOL
Didn’t realize I was dealing with a 12-year-old.
Have a good day, sir. We’ll see where Manning ends up.
kmbryant09 - February 3, 2012
Curious?
“Can’t strap yourself against the cap for 3 seasons” Interested in what your opinion concerning the cap would be IF!!! Manning would have been healthy and played last year? Would they not be in the same position? Was that not thought about when his contract was agrred to.
shoospa - February 3, 2012
With Irsay, who knows
But a lot changes in 12 months. When the contract was signed:
-The Colts were thought to be SB contenders. Now they hold the worst record in the league.
-Peyton Manning was thought to be healthy enough to play. Now who knows.
-The Colts typically draft towards the end of the first round. Now they hold the #1 overall pick; and the best QB prospect of our generation is staring them in the face.
-The Colts franchise was a model of consistency. From the Polians to their coaching staff. now Peyton doesn’t even know anybody in the Colts’ front office besides Irsay.
I’m just sayin’ that if there was ever a time for the Colts and Manning to go separate ways, this is the time. It’s a perfect storm, really. Everything from a new coaching staff, to a replacement QB, to an “injury excuse” to cut him.
kmbryant09 - February 3, 2012
Man up
I think Irsay HAS made his mind up and did so some time ago. I don’t know why he doesn’t man up and just get it over with. I don’t think there would ever be a perfect time for all this to happen. If Irsay would have took a little more control over everything the last couple years. None of this except Mannings recovery would be taking place. Caldwell should have been fired after the 2010 season. If that was done and Manning was healthy last year, I think we could have been SB worthy. At the very least 500 without him. Just because you draft late does not mean you can’t get to the GREAT QB prospects. That was always the fault of Polian(Wanted that idiot gone for a couple years) I agree, with all the changes being made that this is the best possible time for things to happen. Just wish everyone involved could be a little more mature and classy about it. It’s making the whole COLTS family look ridiculas.
shoospa - February 3, 2012
There's still the issue of his arm
The doctor’s clearance refers to the neck fusion. He’s cleared to take a hit without any increased chance of reinjuring his neck. That’s certainly good news, but it still doesn’t mean Manning is ready to play. The issue is, and has been, the nerve regeneration in his arm. He might be cleared to play, but he’s no good to anyone if he’s lost half his velocity or if he can’t throw the ball more than 20 yards.
The arm, not the neck, is what will drive the decision.
Chris S. - February 2, 2012
Exactly
They released a statement about something most people already knew about. No real news update.
shoospa - February 3, 2012
PAY THE MAN
That is all
ohsnap12 - February 2, 2012
First of all, Derek Schultz thinks he's the funniest guy on twitter.
This surgery has been successfully performed on guys on the other side of the ball, who are involved in far more violent clashes than quarterbacks.
That Peyton’s been cleared to pay is huge. Will Carroll is completely incorrect as well – Manning was only cleared to practice in pads and throw back in the beginning of December. Being cleared to play is entirely different.
I think this points to Manning staying put, if the report is indeed true.
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
Time to revisit the debate of trading the top pick!
How about trading down to Washington and snagging RG3…it will be debated to no end, no doubt! Regardless, i’m stoked
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
RG3
will be gone by the 2nd pick. So in that scenario, the Cotls would have to trade down to 4 or 6, then back up to 2. Wouldn’t make sense.
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
How do you figure he'll be gone?
The rams don’t need a qb, neither do the Vikings or the panthers or the bucs. RG3 has a chance at dropping out of the top 5. Drafts are anything but predictable
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
I thought it was assumed
That Cleveland was either trading up to take him at 2, or taking him at 4. I suppose if you trade down to 4 with Cle, and then Cle takes luck it’s plausible, but then what happens when Wash trades into the 3rd or 2nd pick and takes RG3?
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
Ooh, good points!
Think Cleveland is ready to give up on colt? Definitely if Luck is the alternative, but maybe not for RG3. I think that if Manning stays, the pick is traded to Cleveland or Washington…and then just sit back and watch the fireworks
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
RG will go 2...
Redskins or Browns would trade up…
Perhaps Indy takes Luck and trades him for RG3 an additinal picks to whoever get him ala Eli/Rivers
Then essentially it makes the fight for pick two a fight for Lucks rights. They won’t get as many additional picks as in an outright raffle for Luck. But they could still get a 2,3, this year and a 1 next year…
(206)NightRidah - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Good point
Also I find it interesting that alot of other teams seem willing to give up alot to get RG3. But the majority of Colts fans only want Luck. I think RG3 is a GREAT talent and would be very exciting to watch play. Whole new direction from the past offensive system. With Luck, also you have a GREAT talent, but will be essentially be exactly what we’ve been for the past 10+ years. NOT that there is anything wrong with that. But if the Colts are truely going to re-build completely. I would love to see them change there entire way of playing on both sides of the ball.
shoospa - February 3, 2012
Derek's point was
that all this says is that he can step on the field, and says nothing about how well he can actually throw the ball. I’ll also believe a guy who reports on injuries for a living as to the semantics of the situation.
Even if your premise is true, that being cleared to play is entirely different than being cleared to practice (which in a sense it is), it doesn’t mean he can play quarterback to the tune of $38 Million this year. Nobody, not even the coaching staff, has seen him actually throwing the football.
It’ll be actual news when we get a video of him throwing the football, and throwing it well. Until then, it’s media posturing.
mgrex03 - February 2, 2012
Well said.
Addai Another Aday - February 2, 2012
Yes this is news
Irsay has all along been making this a player safety issue. Paraphrasing….“its my duty not to put an injured player on the field”. The media and fans have been saying 3 neck surgeries time to hang em up. Irsay has been using the safety issue as an excuse to cut the GOAT. Now he can’t. Ball is is firmly in Irsay’s court. Manning is gonna be a colt.
vini vidi vici - February 2, 2012
There's a difference
between being cleared to play, and being healthy enough to play effectively. Giant difference actually.
mgrex03 - February 2, 2012
Manning needs to finish his career in Indy, as a Colt.
Anything else is sacrilegious.
Ayrshire - February 2, 2012
Not really any surprises here...
Hopefully they can work out a better deal for the cap and keep Manning.
They have to have a backup plan in case the nerves don’t regenerate as much as hoped for!
We all want to keep 18! There is NO reason to clip him if he can play…but they need have a better backup option than Orlovsky…
(206)NightRidah - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Not so fast
The story says:
However, the source said Manning still cannot pinpoint a date when his performance will reach an acceptable level to him. The source alluded that it might take to the one-year anniversary of Manning’s May 23rd, 2011 surgery on a bulging disk in his neck.
My guess is that come March 8 (or before) the Colts will decide they can’t risk paying PM the bonus (and the salary cap implications from that) and release him. Then he can sign with whomever, with a May or so target date.
JTBLA - February 2, 2012
earlier today
I watched something on ESPN, reported by Chris Mortensen, that if the two parties come to an agreement, that they can push the deadline back if needed. Just a side note
BleedingBlueAndWhite - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Great point. I too remember seeing this
And I think Irsay himself had mentioned this too
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
mgrex
A caller on JMV said today that he was doing some research and found that the cap hit on Manning staying vs releasing him was only 1 million dollars. Do you know anything about this? Because if this is the case, and Manning can rehab and work on getting to full strength, I don’t see how the Colts don’t just eat the 1 million and be happy.
coltsfan723 - February 2, 2012
The guy
was a clueless idiot. It’s been linked in many threads. He’s a $10 mill cap hit regardless. If you sign the $28 mill team option and then cut or trade him, it’s a $38 mill hit.
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
I heard that, and the guy was wrong
If we release Manning before his bonus, it’ll cost 16 million, but only 10 of which will count against the cap as dead money.
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
To clarify
If the Colts cut Manning before the March 8 deadline, he’ll only count as a $1M dollar cap hit. If they pay the option bonus and kick in the remaining 4 years, it’s a completely different story.
Chris S. - February 2, 2012
This is wrong
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
You are correct, sir. My mistake.
Chris S. - February 3, 2012
Nobody else has said this
Do you have a link explaining this? I believe TheWeasley is correct above.
mgrex03 - February 2, 2012
Mike Chappell breaks it down here
indystar link
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
lol, this says virtually nothing we didn't already know
The issue is can Manning throw an NFL fastball? Can he throw the deep out? If the nerves do not regenerate he can do none of that and you’re carting out a Rex Grossman who is better at reading D’s and decision-making.
This is just more pure fodder crap from the Mothership looking to get hits and make headlines. The update which shows the key paragraph with “if the nerves in his arm had regenerated to a satisfactory performance level.” My guess is this is coming from Manning’s agent since if all you read is the headline, it further wins in the court of public opinion.
IF the nerve regenerates and he can play and be at least 90% of the Peyton of before. AND IF he’s willing to sign a re-done deal that doesn’t put the Colts in absolute cap-hell the next 3 years, then he’ll be playing in Indy in 2012. The effective no-trade-clause one year extension with 4 year team option deal that he and Condon worked out with Polian last year simply doesn’t make good business sense to keep if you want to build a roster.
So if he’s genuine about wanting to finish his career in Indy and not simply politicking, they can work it out. It’d be no different than GB cutting AJ Hawk and re-signing him the next day last year.
But AGAIN, if the nerves don’t regenerate all of this is irrelevant. No team is giving a $28 million guarantee that will set them into cap hell when they don’t even know if the guy can play.
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
THIS IS NOTHING NEW
This report says nothing new. The issue is his nerve and arm strength and that hasn’t changed. Because if it did change we’d here all about it and he’d be throwing for the media.This is all about Manning’s agent playing a little hard ball.
He will be released on or before March 8th.
javen - February 2, 2012
Cleared to play is different than being cleared to throw.
A lot different.
TheWeasley - February 2, 2012 via Android app
maybe not right now,
but opening day he will be throwing a fast ball for some team !!!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 2, 2012
the comment got cut off
he will be throwing a fast ball for some one on opening day he will be ready he has 7-8 more months
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 2, 2012
And I don't disagree
I think he plays in 2013 if he wants to. But that really, really wouldn’t make sense for the Colts to keep him unless he was going to transition into being a player/coach which he has given zero indication of.
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
but rex grossman made it to a superbowl
and might have won with improved D reading and decision making skills
muncie_in_this - February 3, 2012 via Android app
I am so torn about this. I know the best move might be to move on even if he is healthy but I don’t want Peyton gone. I don’t want to wait any longer and it seems as though they may say something a bit more concrete after the superbowl and may not drag this out until March.
On an unrelated subject. Do you guys have that add with the half-naked man with black mask popping up all over the place on SB nation? Its a bit unsightly.
bbxxj - February 2, 2012
It reminds me
of the rapist dude from American Horror Story.
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
that dude was my least favorite character
but just get adblock and noscript. then you are the master of what you see
muncie_in_this - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Colts neurosurgeon say this...
“If you were my own son, I’d tell (you) to go play,” Colts neurosurgeon Hank Feuer said to the four-time MVP per ESPN’s sources.
Amilcar - February 2, 2012
yes
he wouldn’t say that if he didn’t mean it esp. to him !!!!
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 2, 2012
he deserves it
he has been working hard
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 2, 2012
Smartest option...
I am armchair Owning/GMing but this is what I would do:
1. Immediately after the SB tell Manning that if not 100% they can’t offer the 28 mil. But Colts want to work out a cap friendly one year deal to cover themselves in case the nerves don’t regenerate as hoped. If after one year Mannings health is back to normal they can sign him to a series of one year deals until he retires…
2. In exchange for Manning taking a pay cut, Indy drafts Luck but trades him for RG3 and additonal draft picks making teams posture for the 2 or 3 pick. Luck is coveted enough that a team would move up to the 2 pick and also give up additional draft picks for his rights in a swap for RG3.
With the additional swap you are not going to see a three first rounders and two seconds but if you can only get an additional 2-3 this year and a 1 next year that’s is worth it to keep Manning
3. Colts use additional picks this year and next to infuse the roster with talent and make hopefully another deep playoff run or two. This is a deep defensive draft! Also Colts have RG3 to learn under Manning and in case things don’t work out with his health RG3 steps in…Manning retires and the rebuilding process begins!
Both Manning and Irsay will have to give something up here..Manning can’t get top dollar because it’s not 100% sure he will be healthy. Irsay can’t have both Manning and Luck so a healthy compromise is what is needed
If Manning insists in the 28mil bonus or nothing then he will have go. Irsay will take a beating but it will be the right move
(206)NightRidah - February 2, 2012 via mobile
It's a scenario that I've brought up with friends
and if we really thought Manning was going to be 100% for 3 more years, it’d make a ton of sense. But it’s just too risky with such a kickass safety net like Luck.
JHetfield99 - February 2, 2012
People are more concerned about a saftey net...
No one wants to see Manning walk…but they can’t end up with Dan-O again…
And anyone who thinks its wiser to draft Kellen Moore or Case Keeneum and hope they turn into something as opposed to taking Luck or RG3 is delusional…
Manning has all the money in the world…if Irsay is willing to compromise Manning should also…
Otherwise it will be an unfortunate separation
(206)NightRidah - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Ridah, I love ya man, but that's some crazy talk right there.
Mostly on the “swapping Luck for RG3 + picks” scenario. Any team willing to trade up to No. 2 and then trade again to us would end up paying more in picks than simply trading for the No. 1 outright!
Let’s say Cleveland wants to do it. Based off the draft value chart, they’d have to give up their two first round picks this year, plus a 6th rounder to make equivalent value (and I doubt Fisher & co. are looking to give anyone a discount). Then they snag RG3 and trade him to use for their 2&3 this year and a 1 next year?! There’s no way they’re going to trade 3 No.1 picks, a 2, a 3, a 6 and a top five talent (RG3) for Luck!!!
Washington’s even crazier. They would have to give St. Louis their entire draft to make up the points between No. 2 and No. 6 in the first round. Then they’re gonna trade RG3 along with a 1,2 and 3 to us for Luck?
Still, I guess it never hurts to dream…
Chris S. - February 3, 2012
Here's the difference in my opinion
In December, Manning was cleared to begin throwing and amping up his rehab, not practice. This story suggest Manning is cleared to begin getting strength back and practicing, or playing or whatever you take “resuming his career” to mean.
coltsfan723 - February 2, 2012
Andrew Luck
says he wants to and is ready to start for Indy…
Best thing to do is probably let Manning go… to the Chiefs :D
andrew33 - February 2, 2012
he also said
that if he had to wait behind someone for a year or two he wouldn’t mind learning from them
Keysta101 - February 2, 2012
Steve Young learn from Montana & Rodgers from Favre
So Luck should sit and learn from Manning(GOAT)
Amilcar - February 2, 2012
exactly
Keysta101 - February 2, 2012
That would be reasonable
if colts were in the top teams in the NFL and could protect the QB well, run the ball well, and have a D that allows Manning to play ahead. I dont think Irsay wants to risk using 20% of their cap for two QBs especially knowing that Mannings health as a direct correlation to the Colt’s lineman, RB, and Defense.
andrew33 - February 2, 2012
Not to mention
they would be using their first pick on Luck, which doesn’t help Manning at all.
andrew33 - February 2, 2012
I don't know where
you’re getting yo….HEY, WAIT A SECOND!!!
Addai Another Aday - February 2, 2012
I ultimately think
That the Colts will still move on. Thats not what I wanna see but Irsay has made some statements about the cap. It will be a very hard decision but the salary cap not the actual dollar amount makes a situation like this difficult…
Also, I think will be difficult for aging QBs to get 5 year deals after this…of course you have to lock up Manning long term and max bonus money but I think in the future you will see guys get 2 year deals with high bonuses to protect the cap…You just can’t allocate a nine figure deal to a person that age..you want to do the long term deal at 32 as opposed to 35…three years to athletes can be day and knight
It doesn’t matter how great a player is people tend to physically regress from 35 forward
(206)NightRidah - February 2, 2012 via mobile
That is why Peyton is as big as the SB story this week
No one knows for certain now exactly what is going to happen but one that should happen is the Colts end up with a great QB one way or the other, so it is no lose for the Colts they cannot pass up LUCK
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 2, 2012
Irsay is going to keep Manning out of a Colt uniform......
unless Peyton not only is cleared to play, but can demonstrate he can protect himself. I just don’t see Irsay green-lighting Peyton’s return when there will be plenty of doctors to say he should never set foot on a football field again without risking becoming a quadriplegic.
Sometimes you have to protect a person against himself. If Peyton wants to risk paralysis, I’d rather it not be in a Colt uniform.
MadStork - February 2, 2012
Why is Manning risking paralysis?
That’s like suggesting that a RB returning from an ACL injury is risking a leg amputation….
From all reports, he should be just as healthy as any other 35-year-old once he recovers from this surgery.
kmbryant09 - February 2, 2012
He can play, but can he play well?
We’ve been analyzing this as a question of whether or not Peyton will be able to play, but it is beginning to look like it may be a question of whether he will be able to return to his old form. There were reports in December that he was throwing with good velocity, but that he wasn’t throwing very far. If he has improved since then and is continuing to improve, it seems likely that he will eventually be able to throw at a reasonably high level, quite possibly at a level worthy of an NFL QB. But will it ever be that “laser, rocket arm” that we’ve come to expect? And if not, how good will he be? Seems like combining Peyton’s head with the arm of a Jim Sorgi or Dan Orlovsky would still be a pretty good QB, but not one who can carry a team to the Super Bowl or be worth the kind of money his current contract calls for.
ex-Viking fan - February 2, 2012
You hit the nail on the head
If that arm doesn’t recover fully, the Colts simply can’t afford to pick up Manning’s option. A fully recovered Peyton Manning = potential MVP year. A Peyton Manning who can’t throw more than 20 yards = Chad Pennington. That’s a pretty significant difference.
I sincerely hope Manning recovers and plays again. But I’ve come to accept the reality that’s it’ll probably be for a different team if he does. And, heartbreaking as that is, if his arm’s not back when the bonus is due, it’s the right call.
Chris S. - February 3, 2012
questionable timing by Peyton....
This announcement by Peyton that he has been medically cleared to play is newsworthy, obviously. But I don’t like that he is using the platform of the Super Bowl to make it. Irsay and Goodell both would have preferred that the storylines this week be about the game on Sunday. This conversation, regarding Peyton’s health, could have taken place next week between Irsay and Manning. Instead, Peyton took the opportunity to make this week about his recovery, twice.
In terms of public perception, this announcement is Manning’s way of controlling the story regarding his future in the NFL. For the past several weeks, there have been more and more stories surfacing that predict Manning will retire. These stories were coming from everyone ranging from Rob Lowe to Tony Dungy. Peyton wants to come back and he deserves credit for putting in the work to make that happen. But while he has been cleared for contact, Peyton may never have the velocity on his passes, that he used to have, if the nerves that control his tricep muscles do not regenerate. There is no timetable for when, or if this regeneration will happen and therefore, still tremendous risk involved in signing Manning to his bonus number of 28 million. This clearance changes little in terms of the business decision Irsay has to make. This does, however, affect how Irsay’s decision will be viewed here in Indianapolis from a PR standpoint. Now, if Irsay does not bring Peyton back, there is little chance Jim can be viewed in a positive light. After all, he let a healthy Peyton Manning leave town.
Peyton has leveraged himself against Irsay in the court of public opinion and I expect this latest announcement will make it even harder for his relationship with Irsay to end on positive terms.
thomasezekiel77 - February 3, 2012
That's the one thing that bothers me about all this
Irsay publicly calling Manning a politician was a little tactless, but it’s also true. In the past couple of weeks, Peyton’s had a distinct choice to make:
Given that choice, Manning has relentless pursued the first option, promoting himself and his situation over the good of the city, the organization and even the league. He’s made his situation (at least in the media) at nearly as big as the Super Bowl itself.
It’s also telling how effective (and ruthless) Manning has been at it. He times his first “rogue” public comments to overshadow Pagano’s press conference (calling up Kravitz and the NYT the night before the presser). The after his tiff with Irsay, they bury the hatchet and promise to keep quiet during Super Bowl week. Manning keeps quiet for a few days, then kicks off the week with a two-part (i.e. keeping his name front and center for two days) interview with ESPN. Then today he drops the “cleared to play” bomb on the same day that Andrew Luck is in town to do some press-related appearances.
Manning has managed to effectively overshadow every hire the Colts have made since Grigson. He’s overshadowed any talk about a “new era” and possible changes that are likely coming. He’s overshadowed the man many have pegged as his replacement. He’s overshadowed his owner, his organization and even the Super Bowl match-up itself. He’s whored more media time than a Kardashian this week, and he’s shown he’s infinitely better at using it to advance his own cause.
Realizing that doesn’t make me hate Peyton. From a business perspective, it’s hard not to admire how savvy he’s been. He’s making it as hard as possible for his owner to cut him, and making sure he’s seen as the victim by as many fans as possible if it does happen.
And even if I don’t really like what’s going down now, I can’t hate on the guy too much — he’s represented our city and our team so well for so many years. But it does sadden me a little that in what are likely his last days as a Colt, when he had a chance to really shine a positive light on the organization that made him the highest-paid player in NFL history ($175M over his career so far) and — more importantly — the city that so embraced him, he instead took the grandest stage of them all to shine the light directly on himself.
Chris S. - February 3, 2012
maybe , since its been a rather down week for news + the fact that the superbowl is in Mannings home town
Anything that’s remotely significant or related to 18 is completely blown up.
TheWeasley - February 3, 2012 via Android app
Good post
Good summary and it has been Manning trying to control it the whole way. Bother he and Irsay and their “sources” really should have waited until next Tuesday for all of this stuff and let the Superbowl stand on it’s own.
JHetfield99 - February 3, 2012
Well.
This just got much more interesting.
KBUnitz - February 3, 2012
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