It’s long been rumored that Peyton Manning might go into politics one day. A recent trip to the White House/golfing outing with President Donald Trump and Tennessee Senator Bob Corker did little to quell that notion.
Manning has said in the past that he has no interest in getting into politics. But many people have a hard time buying it, especially because he’s been backed by some heavy hitters in the state of Tennessee.
The outing with President Trump prompted Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report to do some calling around to see what people around the NFL had to say. He texted one AFC general manager who responded with,” “Peyton Manning will be president one day.”
Even crazier than that was that the GM “and others” suggested that one day Manning would likely battle against none other than Tom Brady for the Republican nomination. Even wilder is some think whoever won that race might end up facing off against LeBron James on the Democratic side.
Freeman noted that it “sounds like science fiction” but that others, including many of Manning’s old teammates, think he not only wants to go into politics but would be fantastic at it.
“If he was to become a politician, I assume he’d be incredible at it,” former Colts teammate turned Barstool Sports employee Pat McAfee told B/R. “He’s a leader, a tireless worker and a fabulous communicator. I don’t know much about politics, but I think if you have those three traits, you have a chance of being a real world-changer. I hope he gets into it someday; would be great for our country.”
At this point, it’s impossible to rule out the possibility of Manning, Brady, James or any other hugely popular athlete becoming president some day. Trump was more television game show host/celebrity than businessman when he got elected, after all.
Manning has plenty of time to figure out whether he wants to jump into the deep waters of politics in the future.
Maybe his venture to the White House was an initial probe — dipping the old pinkie toe into the water, so to speak. Maybe Manning just wanted to play golf with Corker and Trump. Maybe we’ll never know.
Would you vote for Manning? We’re betting millions would. Which makes this an intriguing idea all by itself.