Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts is arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, comparable to the likes of Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino. In his tenure at quarterback he has led the Colts to a 141-67 record, thrown for 54,828 yards, and 399 touchdowns. It was highly unfortunate he had to miss the entire 2011-football season due to a neck injury.
In Manning’s absence the team went from 10-6 in 2010 to 2-14 this past season. It is still amazing how much difference a single player can make when the entire offense is built around his skill and ability.
The Colts now hold the first pick in the 2012 draft and are expected to draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with that Pick. Luck, like many other No. 1 picks is expected to be the next big thing, and may just as well be.
But where does that leave Peyton Manning in the picture if he is able to return in 2012?
Manning has been very public recently in his dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Indianapolis and with team owner Jim Irsay. He recently stated, “I’m not in a very good place for healing, let’s say that,” Manning said. “It’s not a real good environment down there right now, to say the least.”
In his response to Manning’s dissatisfaction, Isray stated, “I don’t think it’s in the best interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t,” Irsay told reporters, referring to the team’s longtime logo. “The horseshoe always comes first, and I think one thing he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is that, you know, you keep it in the family. If you’ve got a problem you talk to each other, it’s not about campaigning or anything like that.”
The question remains if Manning will stay on to lead the team if he is healthy or if he will be cut prior to the March deadline. He would then have the option to sign with another team or choose to retire. I believe the chances of him retiring are minimal unless his neck is more of a concern than the public is aware of.
In any case, when Manning returns, it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Sources:
All statistical data provided by NFL.com
Paul Rados is a Cleveland based freelance sportswriter and Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.