Everyone waiting with bated breath for Peyton Manning’s decision to retire or stay with the Denver Broncos in 2016 will reportedly have to wait a little longer.
Despite reports that Manning has already made up his mind and will be announcing his retirement this week, James Palmer of NFL Network says he’s been told that is not the case.
I'm told not to expect a decision from Peyton Manning on his retirement this week. He will meet with both Elway and Kubiak this week.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) February 29, 2016
This isn’t really that surprising.
Manning’s agent, Tom Condon, recently told USA Today that he doesn’t even know what Manning will do. What he does know is that “He loves what he does.”
Manning clearly loves the game that has consumed his life for the better part of three decades. That’s the reason why he spends countless hours in the film room, why he spends countless hours with receivers working on route-running and timing and why he’s not yet sure if he’ll retire, event though his body is clearly ready to call it quits.
It’s his mind and heart that aren’t yet convinced.
If Manning does decide to call it quits, then he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer without a single debate. He owns almost all the relevant passing records in NFL history and now has two Super Bowl rings.
He’ll also have his pick of a career after football. He’s been tied to the Tennessee Titans for a potential front-office position, and he’s also been rumored to be a hot item as an NFL broadcaster.
Still, everyone understands his first love is playing the game of football. He is no doubt fatigued, both in mind and body, after another long season this past year. But you can be sure he loathes the idea of calling it quits.
A decision will come soon, and most certainly it will come before the start of the new league year (March 9) when his $19 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. But nobody should be shocked if Manning holds off on his decision until close to that date as he wrestles with contemplating life after football.