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Peyton Manning News & Rumors

Manning, Colts don't meet this week, no meeting planned
February 11
Indianapolis Star
 
"The waiting game continues with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Despite anticipation a meeting would take place this week to at least begin the process of determining the rehabilitating quarterback's future with the team, that did not occur. On his Twitter account, owner Jim Irsay wrote: "Things r quiet this week n weekend,getting ready for NFL Combine,completing coaching staff,analyzing roster. There's no news on Peyton." Prior to Super Bowl XLVI, Irsay indicated he and Manning hoped to meet this week. The Colts must decide whether to pay Manning a $28 million option bonus by March 8 or allow him to become an unrestricted free agent."
Peyton Manning throws at Duke University
February 10
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning worked out Wednesday at Duke University, according to a tweet from a Blue Devils player. "Got to stretch next to Peyton Manning today and say hello," center Matt Skura tweeted. The connection between Manning and Duke is Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe. He was an assistant at Tennessee when Manning played there and was head coach at Mississippi when Eli Manning played there. Peyton Manning told The Indianapolis Star after the Super Bowl that he might move around the country during his rehabilitation so he can throw to "familiar receivers," with little activity going on at the Colts' West 56th Street complex."
Should Eagles pursue Peyton?
February 10
CSN Philly
 columnist Ray Didinger
"Q. I know from your columns that you and I are contemporaries. I, too, am a long-time Eagles fan who was in attendance at their last NFL championship (1960). In 1958, the Eagles signed a future Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin and the results were fabulous. Is there any chance the Eagles would make an offer to Peyton Manning if he is released by the Colts? It would seem to offer Peyton an excellent opportunity to make it to the post-season and maybe bring that championship to the long-suffering Eagles fans. A. That is an interesting comparison, Van Brocklin and Manning. The Eagles acquired Van Brocklin in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams when the veteran quarterback was feuding with coach"
Washington Redskins need a quarterback, but Peyton Manning not the answer
February 10
Washington Post
 columnist Jason Reid
"The moment has arrived for the Redskins to finally get serious about their starting quarterback. And that means avoiding the temptation of pursuing Peyton Manning. The Redskins need a foundation for their future. No more chasing fading stars. Draft and develop someone capable of becoming a young one. Signing Manning, who turns 36 in March, missed last season because of a serious neck injury and might never fully regain his arm strength, doesn't fit that plan."
Five teams for Peyton Manning
February 9
Sportsnet.ca
 columnist Derek Carson
"The 2011-2012 NFL season is over and Eli Manning has emerged from his brother's shadow as one of the elite quarterbacks in the game, earning his second Super Bowl ring in the stadium his brother Peyton built. Peyton Manning on the other hand, missed the entire season due to injury and surgeries and still looks to be leaving the Indianapolis Colts, the only team he's ever played for. While Eli may have emerged from Peyton's incredibly long shadow, Peyton is still one of, if not the best quarterback in the league, perhaps of all time. Any team would be lucky to have him, neck problems and all."
Colts held out hope Peyton Manning would return
February 9
Indianapolis Star
 
"Former Indianapolis Colts offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars was hired by the Buffalo Bills as the team's tight ends coach Tuesday. Metzelaars, let go by the Colts last month, was asked about quarterback Peyton Manning during his introductory news conference. When asked if he ever imagined the loss of Manning would result in the season the Colts had, Metzelaars said: "We talked about it a little bit, yeah. We were so dependent on him and what he did. The whole offensive structure was built upon what he could do and how he did it. The way his injury took place, there was always kind of the thought that 'Well, he could come back, he might come back, maybe the recovery time is going to be"
Peyton Manning: Washington Redskins should get him as soon as he's available
February 9
Washington Post
 columnist Sally Jenkins
"Do it. Get him. Whatever must be done, however much the Redskins have to pay or promise to bring Peyton Manning to Washington, they should offer it. This is one instance in which Dan Snyder needs to be the Dan Snyder we used to know, the check-writer with a signature on the bottom flashier than a fountain. Joe Theismann is wrong that it is a "horrific idea" to go after Manning. This isn't some impulsive grab at a big-name jersey. Manning has absolutely nothing in common with the fat and happy Redskins free agent disasters of the past. "Haven't we done this before?" Theismann asks. Actually, no. We are talking about a player who, even if his 36-year-old arm is weakened, will instantly"
Lack of talent could hurt Redskins' chances of landing Peyton Manning
February 8
Washington Post
 columnist Mike Jones
"Even with Super Bowl XLVI in the books, all eyes remain squarely on Indianapolis. Not because the NFL Scouting Combine takes place there in two weeks, but because Colts owner Jim Irsay has a decision to make regarding the future of quarterback Peyton Manning. Many believe that the Colts, who hold the No. 1 pick in a draft headlined by Stanford QB Andrew Luck, will release Manning, who missed all of last season while recovering from a pair of neck surgeries and is owed a $28 million bonus on March 8 if he's still on the team."
Manning trio — Archie, Peyton, Eli — truly terrific
February 7
Denver Post
 columnist Woody Paige
"A few months after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Archie Manning returned to the family's stately Greek revival home in the city's Garden District. "Water got up beyond knee level, but the house isn't damaged that bad — except it was broken into by looters," Archie told me then. "I had two big stacks of signed Peyton and Eli jerseys I would donate to charities. All the Peyton jerseys were stolen. I haven't told this to Eli, but all his jerseys are still on the table.""
For Peyton Manning, celebration now, meeting later
February 7
Indianapolis Star
 
"A meeting looms, perhaps this week, that could start the process of reshaping the career of Peyton Manning and sending the Indianapolis Colts in a different direction. But it was another meeting Sunday night that held special meaning to the middle of three Manning brothers. Undoubtedly the others as well. Shortly after the New York Giants chased down, then held off, the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Manning clan and close friends retreated to the Indianapolis Marriott, the Giants' headquarters."
Peyton Manning says he 'couldn't be prouder' of younger brother Eli
February 7
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning was anything but a casual observer of Super Bowl XLVI Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. He had a vested interest, one that primarily zeroed in on New York Giants' quarterback. That would be younger brother Eli. "Couldn't be happier for him,'' Peyton said today. "Couldn't be prouder. It was a special night.'' With Peyton looking on, Eli led the New York Giants to a 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots. Eli completed 30-of-40 passes for 296 yards and directed the game-winning 88-yard drive in the game's final minutes. He was named the game's MVP, just as he was in Super Bowl XLII when the Giants also beat the Patriots."
Peyton Manning will be most-watched NFL story of coming weeks
February 7
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Sam Farmer
"Next to his senior picture at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, a young Peyton Manning listed the typical cryptic acknowledgments and farewell shout-outs to friends, teachers, coaches and family. He also included this tidbit: "Thanks to the best lil' brother, Eli (Watch out World, he's the best one)." Well, accuracy has always been Peyton's strong suit. Eli, who Sunday led the Giants to a 21-17 victory over the Patriots, will soon have two of the Manning's three Super Bowl rings — proving, at least in this case, that Peyton doesn't just know how to make profits, but prophecies too."
Peyton Manning flexible on demands
February 5
ESPN.com
 
"Peyton Manning is willing to structure his contract in a way that could expedite how quickly he is signed if or when the Indianapolis Colts release him. Manning is completely open to creating a contract in which he would be paid little or no guaranteed money up front and he would have to earn every cent he makes strictly through performance, according to sources. An example of how it would work is that Manning's contract could wind up having a big roster bonus due on the first day of the season, and another big bonus based on the number of games he starts in a season. It is a formula that can be used for the length of the contract, limiting the amount of guaranteed money paid up front and"
Coverage of Peyton Manning's injury shows media, money muddle sports news
February 5
Miami Herald
 columnist Dan Le Batard
"Peyton Manning illustrated last week why football is like anything else in entertainment. He has a future that is essentially unknowable, but storms of speculation swirled around him in a way that was curious because we're not so good in sports at accepting "I don't know" as a correct answer to a question, especially not in the soap-opera-for-males world of sports. This led to Yahoo! reporting that Manning's injury is more dire than expected and ESPN reporting that he had been cleared to play, all of the conflicting information from anonymous sources, noise disguised as news, the media feeding the interest because the interest feeds the media. The truth? Ehhhh, whatever. That's ancillary."
Sources: Miami Dolphins on Peyton Manning's short list of desired landing spots
February 4
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Peyton Manning is in the middle of a difficult breakup with the Indianapolis Colts, and it appears he's ready to run into the arms of another NFL team. An NFL source says Miami is on the short list of teams Manning would like to play for when/if the Colts release him to avoid paying a $28 million bonus, which is due on March 8. Manning and his wife own a condo on South Beach and a source said they'd love to relocate to South Florida if the fit is right. A second source confirmed Manning's interest in the Dolphins. Playing for the Dolphins would allow Manning to remain in the AFC, and the Colts are on Miami's schedule next season, which is an added bonus. Dolphins owner Steve Ross has"
Peyton hogging spotlight during Eli's big moment
February 4
New York Post
 columnist George Willis
"Peyton Manning made national headlines again yesterday and likely will do so again today, making him the focus of about as many stories in the buildup to Super Bowl XLVI as his brother Eli. I understand it's Peyton's city and Peyton's stadium, and I understand his uncertain future with the Colts is a story of high interest. But it seems like Peyton can't help but upstage his little brother, who deserves to be the star of the biggest game of the year. It's easy to blame the media for the constant string of Peyton Manning stories this week that have made the Giants quarterback an afterthought. The thirst for updates on Peyton's surgically repaired neck and the Colts' impending decision"
Peyton Manning's agent says his client is 'not done'
February 4
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning's desire to return to the NFL in 2012 is strong, his agent said this morning. "He's enthusiastic," said Tom Condon, agent for the Indianapolis Colts quarterback. "He loves to compete. He loves the game. He wants to play. Peyton wants to play and he's safe to play. "Now it's a matter of him getting all of his strength back and he'll be back to being Peyton.'' Manning's future with the Colts has been a prime storyline in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLVI. Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed a spinal fusion Sept. 8 on Manning, gave Manning medical clearance Wednesday to return and play next season. Colts owner Jim Irsay responded to that news on his Twitter account by"
Source: Dolphins chances with Manning would be good
February 3
Miami Herald
 
"So far the story of Peyton Manning has been one of whether he'll be healthy, whether he'll be cut by the Indianapolis Colts, and when all this will happen. But amid the saga of stories and statements and interviews with counter-interviews, I must tell you this: The Dolphins surely do have a confidence about their ability to land Manning if and when he's available. Why? Well, here at the Super Site, I' got the chance to talk to several NFL and Dolphins sources Thursday evening and everyone tells me the Dolphins definitely will be making the play for Manning. Secondly, I come to find out Manning is something of a South Florida fan. A club source told me Thursday evening that Manning has"
Agent: "Peyton's not done"
February 3
Pro Football Talk
 
"Peyton Manning's agent, Tom Condon, said in an appearance on NFL Network Friday morning that he believes Manning will be healthy and ready to go for the 2012 season. "Peyton's not done," Condon said. Following up on Thursday's reports that Manning had been medically cleared to return to the field — reports that Colts owner Jim Irsay denied — Condon said that Manning's medical clearance means it would be safe for him to play, and that he wouldn't be risking greater injury to his neck. Condon added, however, that Manning's nerve regeneration hasn't reached the point where he would be able to step on the field and play in an NFL game today. But Condon was adamant that anyone who thinks"
Rumors surface about Peyton Manning, Larry Fitzgerald dinner date
February 3
Arizona Republic
 
"The rumors of Peyton Manning perhaps playing for the Cardinals picked up speed here on Thursday with a report that Manning and receiver Larry Fitzgerald have a dinner date planned in the next few days. The Terre Haute Tribune Star reported the planned meeting. Fitzgerald later denied it but not until after he played coy during an appearance on KGME-AM (910). "I don't even have Peyton's phone number," Fitzgerald said. Pressed for a definitive answer later in the interview, Fitzgerald denied a meeting was scheduled. He repeated that denial to The Republic in a text message. In related news, ESPN reported that Manning had been medically cleared to play football after missing the entire 2011"
Matured Eli no longer in Peyton's shadow
February 3
CSN Philly
 columnist Ray Didinger
"The 2004 Maxwell Club dinner was a Manning family affair. Peyton Manning was in Atlantic City to receive the Bert Bell Award as NFL Player of the Year. Brother Eli was there, too, to accept the Maxwell Award as college player of the year. Typically, Eli was walking in Peyton's shadow. Peyton had won the Maxwell Award in 1997 following his senior season at Tennessee. Seven years later, he was back to collect the Bert Bell Award. He was the headliner, the star of the show. Eli was little brother."
Doctor, not team, clears Manning
February 3
Indianapolis Star
 
"Peyton Manning received medical clearance to return to the NFL in 2012 during a postoperative visit Wednesday with the surgeon who performed the Sept. 8 spinal fusion procedure on the Indianapolis Colts quarterback. It remains to be seen if that will influence the Colts as they weigh whether to retain the league's only four-time MVP. Manning missed the 2011 season."
Report: Peyton Manning cleared to resume career
February 2
Pro Football Talk
 
"We have some Peyton Manning news that is actually news. Big news. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Peyton Manning has been cleared to resume his NFL career. Colts owner Jim Irsay said in December that he expected Manning would be a Colt if healthy. The presumption of late is that Manning would not be healthy by March."
Colts G.M. Grigson had "man-to-man" conversation with Peyton Manning
February 2
Pro Football Talk
 
"Colts G.M. Ryan Grigson made some news during his first press conference with the team when he said he hadn't sat down and spoken with Peyton Manning during his first hours officially on the job. Speaking at the Super Bowl Thursday to a group of reporters, Grigson revealed he has sat down with Manning in the weeks since. "I met with Peyton," Grigson said. "He came by my office. . . . We had a nice discussion. We spoke for 20 minutes or so. It's been amicable. It's been a normal thing. We talked like regular guys, I felt."
Kurt Warner defends Peyton Manning scrutiny
February 2
Arizona Republic
 
"As an analyst for the NFL Network, former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner refers to the media as "we." And he defended all of the attention being paid this week in Super Bowl XVLI to Peyton Manning. Manning's continuing neck problem might lead the Colts to release him, and there is considerable speculation about where, or if, Manning will play again. "I'm telling people, as the media, we're trying to spend 12 hours a day talking about the Super Bowl," Warner said. "We can't come up with enough things to talk about, so definitely Peyton, being in his town, with all the questions, is going to be a huge part of it." If Manning is healthy enough to play and signs with another team, Warner"
No easy way for Colts, Irsay to say goodbye to Peyton Manning
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 columnist Bob Kravitz
"After Peter Pocklington traded hockey icon Wayne Gretzky in 1988, the one-time Edmonton Oilers owner was overwhelmed with death threats, "hundreds of them," he said from his home in Palm Desert, Calif. After Carmen Policy dealt quarterback great Joe Montana in 1993, the former San Francisco 49ers executive said the public view of him changed -- forever. "I had a pretty good reputation and persona in the Bay Area," he said recently from his home in the Napa Valley. "But when I'd go out, I could see it and feel it. People wouldn't be rude, but they were looking at me like, 'How could you do it? How could you do it?' ""
Irsay requests patience on Peyton Manning decision
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 
"The clock is ticking on the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning, and likely will continue to do so as a March 8 deadline nears. Owner Jim Irsay plans to meet with his rehabilitating quarterback next week but made clear a quick resolution shouldn't be anticipated. "I think it probably will go into early March," Irsay said Wednesday in an interview at the JW Marriott. "As the Super Bowl ends and we go into February and get into early March, (Manning) and I will continue to talk about it and see where we're at. "The way I'm looking at this is, we just have to have some long conversations and probably even have some time in between the conversations and the month to try to determine what the"
If chips fall just right, Peyton Manning's place could be D.C.
February 2
Washington Times
 columnist Dan Daly
"Picture Peyton Manning in a Washington Redskins uniform. Just entertain the possibility, even though there's no telling if it'll ever happen. Would he have to slip Terrence Austin a few bucks to gain proprietary rights to the number 18? So many thoughts rush through your head. Something is going to happen soon with Manning. It might happen as soon as next week, when the Super Bowl leaves town. The Indianapolis Colts have a decision to make regarding their franchise quarterback, and their franchise quarterback — and his doctors — have a decision to make about his surgically repaired neck and career prospects."
Colts owner Jim Irsay won't make decision on QB Peyton Manning until early March
February 2
Indianapolis Star
 
"Colts owner Jim Irsay plans to meet with Peyton Manning next week, but the decision of whether the Indianapolis Colts retain their franchise quarterback likely won't be made until early March. The team owes Manning a $28 million option bonus by March 8. If it's not paid, the NFL's only four-time MVP becomes a free agent. Irsay said it's possible the date could be pushed back if both sides agreed."
Colts' Vinatieri says teammate Manning was throwing well
February 1
NFL.com
 
"A day after Peyton Manning proclaimed that his recovery from neck surgery is indeed on schedule, more positive news has surfaced that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback will eventually return to the field. Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri was among the teammates who got a first-hand look at Manning when he returned to throwing a football following his third neck procedure in the last two years. As optimistic as Manning was Tuesday about his own recovery, Vinatieri offered nothing to suggest anything different. Vinatieri told WAXY 790-AM it looked like Manning was on track."
Colts' Manning still in spotlight
February 1
Indianapolis Star
 
"He was the very large elephant in the very large room. As Media Day for Super Bowl XLVI ran its unique course Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium, the aura of Peyton Manning seemed omnipresent. Several fans watching from the stands wore No. 18 jerseys. Younger brother Eli, who will lead the New York Giants against the New England Patriots in four days, fielded one, two, a zillion questions regarding the Manning not playing in the NFL's grandest game."
Manning's health pushing Dolphins to Plan B
February 1
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 columnist Dave Hyde
"It sounds like the first hope for the Dolphins this off-season won't make it past the first hurdle. I was trying to hang onto this idea, but reports from respected writers like Sports Illustrated's Peter King and Yahoo!'s Jason Cole underline how Manning's recovery from neck surgery isn't progressing as hoped. Cole quotes two sources supporting Rob Lowe's idea that Manning will retire. Manning continues to rehab and work hard so there must be some thought of his returning. He also said Tuesday afternoon on ESPN that, "Everything looks good...that I'll be cleared and ready to go.""
No way Cowboys pursue Peyton; 'Romo's not the problem'
February 1
Dallas Morning News
 columnist Kevin Sherrington
"On if the Cowboys could consider pursuing Peyton Manning if he's cut by the Colts: Sherrington : No, he's not going to do that, especially because Jerry doesn't want to pay anybody anyway and Peyton's going to cost a lot of money. Even on a one-year deal, he'll cost a lot. There's no way the Colts will bring him back — I wouldn't bring him back either for a $28 million bonus on top of everything for a guy that's clearly at the end of his career. He had an injury that was career threatening and may still be. You've got a chance to draft Andrew Luck, just hand that job to him. So do the Cowboys [go after Manning]? No. Tony Romo's not the problem here. The problem is the talent around Tony,"
Colts QB Peyton Manning expects decision on his future 'will happen soon'
February 1
Indianapolis Star
 
"In his first interview of Super Bowl week, Peyton Manning said he expects a decision on his future will "happen soon" and "the sooner the better." Speaking to ESPN, Manning made it clear no decision will come this week, and that he won't discuss his future during Super Bowl week. He's having dinner with Colts owner Jim Irsay at a social event Thursday but doesn't expect to discuss his contract status. "I think Jim's on 16-hour days," Manning said. "As the host owner, there are certain obligations, but it'll happen soon and I'm sure y'all will know when it does. "Jim and I talk constantly. We really do. After this week's over, we'll do it and we'll make a plan from there.""
Dallas an unlikely landing spot for Manning
January 31
Foxsports.com
 
"Peyton Manning in a Cowboys uniform? At first thought, that sounds like a pretty good idea. Who wouldn't want a future Hall of Famer quarterbacking their team? Then reality creeps in. First and foremost, it will never happen because of the salary cap. While trading Tony Romo to make room for Manning would be the optimal move, either trading or outright cutting Romo carries salary-cap implications and the hit would likely handcuff the Cowboys from making any other moves. And if you have Peyton Manning quarterbacking your team, you might want to upgrade that offensive line which got Romo sacked 36 times last season."
Peyton Manning: 'I really feel good'
January 31
ESPN.com
 
"Peyton Manning plans to return to football, but he and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay have not discussed his future, he said in an interview with ESPN on Tuesday. Manning, in an interview with ESPN's Trey Wingo, said that he and Irsay will discuss whether the Super Bowl-winning quarterback will remain with the Colts "at the appropriate time, and when we do, I think some decisions will be made after that. But until then I'm just continuing to rehab, work hard, and to enjoy this week because it really is a special week for the city and certainly for my family." Manning said that his recovery from spinal fusion surgery in September -- his third surgery in 19 months -- is going well"
Report: Colts' Peyton Manning unlikely to resume QB career
January 31
Indianapolis Star
 
"People close to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning don't believe he'll resume his career, according to Yahoo Sports reporter Jason Cole in a post late Monday. "The nerves in Manning's arm are not healing as quickly as hoped and, worse, don't appear to be progressing at enough of a rate to indicate that he will play again, according to two sources with knowledge of Manning's rehabilitation from neck surgery," the Yahoo report said. "The vertebrae in his neck that were fused have healed as expected and Manning began throwing in December. But he hasn't shown improvement in velocity on his passes, and the two sources fear he likely never will again.""
With a Super Bowl victory, Eli Manning would pass Peyton Manning's one ring
January 31
New York Daily News
 columnist Gary Myers
"Eli Manning has a chance to take a 2-1 lead in Super Bowl titles on big brother Peyton if the Giants beat the Patriots and prevent Tom Brady's party plans. And with Peyton's NFL future uncertain as he waits for the nerves in his neck to regenerate, a 2-1 lead could be insurmountable. But it's when Peyton led Eli 1-0 following the Colts' victory over the Bears in the Super Bowl five years ago that little brother became obsessed with winning his own ring. "Just seeing Peyton after that game, seeing him down in the locker room, seeing that smile on his face, being with him for those next couple of months after he won a Super Bowl, it definitely made you jealous," Manning said Monday shortly"
Sources fearful over Manning's ability to return
January 31
Yahoo! Sports
 columnist Jason Cole
"For all the discussion over Peyton Manning's future with the Indianapolis Colts, the underlying issue is that people close to him don't believe he'll resume his career. The nerves in Manning's arm are not healing as quickly as hoped and, worse, don't appear to be progressing at enough of a rate to indicate that he will play again, according to two sources with knowledge of Manning's rehabilitation from neck surgery. The vertebrae in his neck that were fused have healed as expected and Manning began throwing in December. But he hasn't shown improvement in velocity on his passes, and the two sources fear he likely never will again."
Older brother says predicting future for Colts' Manning is futile
January 30
NFL.com
 
"Actor Rob Lowe caused a stir two weeks ago when, via Twitter, he passed along a rumor he heard that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was retiring. Those in the Manning family have responded with questions over how Lowe would even know that information. And, on Monday, the oldest Manning brother expressed his belief that the opposite is true, that his younger brother is indeed set on adding to an already illustrious career. When I asked Cooper Manning if Peyton is "determined," he responded quickly, saying, "I think that's a great word for it." "What I do know is Peyton is going to do every single thing a human being can possibly do to get ready to play again," Cooper Manning said from his"
Too early to make a call on Peyton Manning
January 30
Washington Post
 
"It seems as if every day produces some type of Peyton Manning news, and with it comes more debate over whether the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, or some other team will make pursue him this offseason. Colts owner Jim Irsay and Manning had some back-and-forth through the media last week, and it's clear the relationship is deteriorating. The Colts – who hold the first pick in April's draft and are expected to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck – must decide before March 8 whether to pick up the option on Manning's contract, which would pay the quarterback a $28 million bonus, or release him. Manning missed all of the 2011 season while recovering from a pair of neck"
Sign Peyton Manning? Heck no
January 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Kevin Lynch
"Sports editor Al Saracevic did a fine job outlining the potential pratfalls and positives of the 49ers signing Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. After perusing the pro and con and adding a few more cons, it's clear that signing a 36-year-old with a severe neck injury to a team that doesn't pass protect well is a bad idea and here are the reasons why. 1. BAD ASSUMPTION: In assessing Manning-as-Niner perspectives, the assumption is Manning will pick up right where he left off in 2010 as an intelligent sharp shooter capable of throwing 30 touchdown passes a year. But can we automatically assume Manning will have the same strength as before, and at 36, he will likely be more immobile than"
Hold your horses: Peyton Manning won't be playing for the Broncos
January 30
Denver Post
 columnist Jeff Legwold
"Q: It'd be great if the Broncos could acquire Peyton Manning and pair him with Tim Tebow. Is that possible? A: There is significant interest across the NFL in Manning's availability for the 2012 season. Seeing him play for a team other than the Colts wouldn't be any more strange than it was seeing Franco Harris play for the Seahawks, John Unitas for the Chargers, Joe Namath for the Rams, Joe Montana for the Chiefs, Tony Dorsett for the Broncos and Emmitt Smith for the Cardinals. Harris, Unitas, Namath, Montana, Dorsett and Smith are Pro Football Hall of Famers who didn't play their entire career with one team. Manning might be joining them."
Peyton is struggling to get healthy
January 30
Pro Football Talk
 
"During our NBC Pro Bowl pregame news pop from the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium, Peter King provided an update regarding the story that will dominate the discussion all week in Indianapolis. Peter said that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is struggling to get healthy. With barely more than a month to go before the March 8 trigger for payment of $28 million, that makes it even less likely that the Colts will pony up the cash."
Irsay refutes report claiming decision to cut Manning was made weeks ago
January 29
Indianapolis Star
 
"Jim Irsay has refuted a report that the Indianapolis Colts decided weeks ago that they will release quarterback Peyton Manning and move on without the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. "No he hasn't been released nor was a decision reached weeks ago," the Colts owner announced via his Twitter account early Sunday morning. Irsay's tweet was a reaction to NFL Network insider Jason La Confora's report. "According to sources who were involved in the Colts' GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the quarterback and his owner," La Canfora said Friday on "NFL Total Access.""
Manning decision made weeks ago
January 29
NFL.com
 
"The he said-he said between Colts owner Jim Irsay and QB Peyton Manning this week ended awkwardly with a joint statement from the duo, an effort to "dispel any misperceptions." Apparently, they hugged... talked it out. OK, so we'll buy that Irsay and Manning are all good. But what the statement didn't say was that Manning will remain with the Colts. While it remains to be seen if he ever will play again, any misperceptions that the four-time NFL MVP will do so with the Colts appear to be long gone. Just how far? "According to sources who were involved in the Colts' GM search, the organization was planning to move on from Manning weeks ago, well before this public squabble between the"
Irsay, Manning done with spat?
January 28
Indianapolis Star
 
"Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and quarterback Peyton Manning have talked and made up, at least publicly. After four days of exchanging comments through the media that made the Colts sound like a house of dysfunction, the team released a statement Friday to "dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us." The joint statement from Manning and Irsay continued, "Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we've faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends. "We had a long talk and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed"
Colts owner Jim Irsay, Peyton Manning should make peace
January 27
Indianapolis Star
 coumnist Bob Kravitz
"It is so sad and so hard to write it again, but it's true: Quarterback Peyton Manning is done in Indianapolis. After listening to Manning on Monday night, after listening to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay characterize Manning on Thursday as "a politician" who should keep his concerns "in house," there's no other conclusion to be reached by a sane, sober human being: Manning's days in Indianapolis are over, and they have been over for quite some time. On a day when the introduction of Chuck Pagano as the Colts coach should have been the story, Irsay stole the headlines."
Mangold calls Manning joining Jets 'big crazy idea'
January 27
New York Post
 
"Jets center Nick Mangold doesn't believe he'll be snapping the ball to Peyton Manning next season. "It's all one big crazy idea," Mangold told ESPN on Thursday. "You can say that about, what if Tom Brady came out? What if Dan Marino in his prime came out? I think anybody would want him." Manning could become available if the Colts decide to let him go, either to save money or create a clear path for likely No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck. Mangold, as he has all offseason, continued to support current Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez."