Peyton Manning News

Peyton Manning News, The 35-year-old is expected to announce his decision this week on which team he will continue his career with. According to ProFootballTalk, it is believed that Manning has narrowed his choices to the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams currently have established quarterbacks in Tim Tebow and Kevin Kolb, however both teams have expressed interest in changing directions should Manning come their way.

Some believe the Miami Dolphins have an outside shot at the four-time Most Valuable Player; however he has not made a visit to the team’s facilities.

Manning was released by the Indianapolis Colts last after owner Jim Irsay made the decision to completely rebuild the franchise from the bottom up following a 2-14 season. The move marked the end of an era in which Manning compiled 54,828 passing yards and 399 touchdowns. He was the number one overall pick by the Colts in 1998, and has been a four-time NFL MVP. In 2006, he led the Colts to a Super Bowl Championship, where he was named Most Valuable Player.

Peyton Manning News

Peyton Manning News, The Kansas City Chiefs are being called the “longshot” of all possible destinations for Peyton Manning if or when he’s released from the Indianapolis Colts.

That’s likely true considering the team already has Matt Cassel in a possible starting candidate and seemed impressed enough with Kyle Orton near season’s end to ask him back as well. Then again, nothing would top a healthy Manning under center in Arrowhead.

Yet Clifton Brown of the Sporting News says that the Dolphins should be considered the favorites for Manning’s services and the Cardinals are up there as well. The Jets and Redskins come after that, making the Chiefs No. 5 on his list of potential suitors.

Brown writes, “It’s a long shot, but not impossible. The Chiefs are only a year removed from winning the AFC West, and they have talented young players. General manager Scott Pioli built a championship roster with the Patriots, and coach Romeo Crennel has the even-keeled demeanor that Manning is accustomed to in a head coach.

New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said he wants to install an up-tempo, attack offense. Manning can certainly handle that. Manning would likely prefer a warm weather city. But if he is healthy, Manning will play. If other locations don’t work out, maybe a team like the Chiefs could sneak in the back door.”

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning, A divorce should come soon; Peyton Manning is not going to stick with the Indianapolis Colts.

Now begins the dance between the broken quarterback and the desperate suitors. The Washington Redskins seem like the perfect fit, but what about the Miami Dolphins or Seattle Seahawks or Arizona Cardinals?

Or what about this?

What if Manning just walked away for good? Strangely, retirement hasn’t been discussed much in the endless debate about who has been the least fair to whom: the Colts to Manning or Manning to the Colts. But what remains for Manning to prove now that he is nearly 36 and at the end of a Hall of Fame career with his neck cut open multiple times by a surgeon’s knife? What glory would he get from pulling the Cardinals to 8-8?

Manning’s injury was serious. The spinal fusion surgeries he underwent are often procedures retired players get long after their careers are done and the risk of greater injury from contact is gone. This isn’t to say Manning can’t play again after his operations. Obviously doctors have told him he can. But at what risk? Can he whip his head from side to side at the line of scrimmage as he once did? Will he be able to turn quickly and spot a receiver deep downfield, look to see his blockers or whirl around to find a tackler just before he’s hit?

A man who saw Manning late last summer said he called to the quarterback from behind and Manning turned in an awkward Frankensteinish way to see who it was shouting his name. Yes, that was a few weeks following Manning’s last surgery and presumably Manning is better. Those who saw him in Indianapolis during Super Bowl XLVI didn’t describe a stiff monster walk. But they also didn’t see Manning swirl his head the way he will need to on the field. Nor did they watch him throw. Few have seen him throw, and those who have are keeping those observations silent.

Still word leaks out. Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz, who has spoken with Manning in recent days, described Manning’s passing arm as “a noodle.”

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning, Peyton Manning could soon be throwing footballs to his teammates, the best news Colts fans have heard since this miserable season began. While the Colts and the four-time league MVP are still trying to find out what the next part of his rehabilitation program entails, lifting weights and throwing balls are apparently going to be part of it.

“Throwing will be part of the next progression,” Manning said Friday before heading back to the team’s weight room. “I will be doing some throwing and I have been doing some throwing. But now we’re going to ramp it up a little more.” Manning called the news encouraging and said he would like to practice or even play this season if he’s cleared. Vice chairman Bill Polian said he is pleased with Manning’s progress

“It’s great news that the fusion has healed,” Polian said after speaking at the Big Ten Football Awards Gala. “It’s on schedule, so we just keep going from here.”

It was welcome news in a winless season that began with Manning underdoing his third neck surgery in 19 months back on Sept. 8. He has not practiced since having a single-level spinal fusion that doctors hope will not only alleviate pressure on a damaged nerve that had caused weakness in Manning’s throwing arm but allow the 35-year-old quarterback to return to his perennial Pro Bowl status.