Speculation has been running wild regarding when Peyton Manning will decide to finish out his career and retire. The Denver Broncos quarterback is currently in the midst of trying to put together another Super Bowl run after yet another recording-breaking regular season. At 37-years-old, can Manning's future extend past 2014?
According ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen, Peyton's future could be largely dictated by an offseason exam on his surgically repaired neck. Manning missed all of the 2011 season after due to the injury. He underwent fusion surgery that weakened his throwing arm. He was released by the Indianapolis Colts where he then signed with the Denver Broncos.
His recovery has featured setting a new NFL single-season record for passing yards and touchdowns this season as Manning looks better than ever. However, his neck is still an issue. If the exam reveals his neck is in stable condition, Manning will return to the Broncos regardless of what happens during the current postseason run. If it does not, retirement is the likely option. According to Mortensen, neither a Super Bowl win or loss in the upcoming AFC championship game will impact Manning's decision one way or another.
The quarterback has hinted at retirement this season. The four-time MVP told reporters that there is light at the end of the tunnel regarding his career.
"It'll be a great atmosphere Sunday playing a good football team, and there's nothing else I'd rather be doing than to be in that opportunity," Manning said, via the Denver Post. "It's certainly my goal to enjoy the preparation - not just the game, to actually enjoy the preparation part of it, enjoy being around the guys. Because certainly the light is at end of tunnel for me, no question, so you enjoy these things maybe even more than maybe you have in the past."
Manning insists that right now, he is not thinking about the long-term future. Instead, he is focused on the highly anticipated rematch with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots which could lead to another appearance in the Super Bowl for Manning. After throwing for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns this season, many are claiming the Broncos are the favorite in the matchup.
