FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2007, file photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) celebrates running back Joseph Addai's 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of an AFC Championship NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Indianapolis. Although the Patriots led 21-3, Manning led the Colts to 32 points in the second half for the largest comeback in a conference title game. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)
COMMERCIAL IMAGE- In this photograph taken by AP Images for Papa John's, NFL stars Peyton Manning (center), Jerome Bettis (left) and Papa John's Founder, Chairman and CEO John Schnatter appear in a commercial shoot at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for Louisville-based Papa John's (NASDAQ: PZZA). The future of Manning has been a hot topic; his future this weekend is appearing in the commercial, which will air during the NFC and AFC Championship games unveiling Papa John's Super Bowl XLVI promotion. (AJ Mast/AP Images for Papa John's)
COMMERCIAL IMAGE - In this photograph released by Papa John's on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, NFL stars Peyton Manning (right), Jerome Bettis (left) and Papa John's Founder, Chairman and CEO John Schnatter enjoy Papa John’s pizza and Pepsi MAX during a recent commercial shoot at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Louisville-based Papa John's (NASDAQ: PZZA) has announced it will offer everyone in America the chance for a free large Papa John’s pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX based on the outcome of the coin toss in Super Bowl XLVI. (AJ Mast/AP Images for Papa John's)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Peyton Manning still intends to play football.
He's also no fan of the Colts' big offseason overhaul that included the firing of coach Jim Caldwell and other executives.
In an interview that appeared Tuesday in The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/yMVQY8), Manning touched on everything from his future plans to the difficulty he's had coping with all the changes. He has not responded to interview requests made by The Associated Press.
"It's 20 degrees, it's snowing, the building is absolutely empty except when you see coaches cleaning out their offices," Manning said. "I guess it's the reality of the football world, just not something I've had to deal with very often. But I'm in there every day, so I have to sit there and see it. Everybody's being evaluated and I'm no different. It's not the best environment.
"It's unfortunate because so many of them have been such a big part of so many big wins here, and this is so ... sudden," Manning added. "Their keys didn't work the next day. There's no other way to do it? I don't know. That's hard to see, all these people leaving. And I may be behind them. Who knows?"
One thing Manning does know is that last week's discussion about his "impending" departure from football was premature.
He poked fun at the frenzy surrounding a Twitter post from actor Rob Lowe, who wrote Manning was expected to announce his retirement last week. Manning said the whole thing caught him off-guard.
"I never thought 'Sodapop Curtis' would announce my retirement," he said, referring to Lowe's character in the 1983 movie "The Outsiders." ''I always thought I would be the one to announce it."
The biggest questions, of course, are about Manning's health and his future in Indianapolis.
While Manning would not say where he is in his recovery or how close he is to being 100 percent 4½ months after having his latest neck surgery, he said new general manger Ryan Grigson inferred the decision about paying Manning a $28 million bonus in March or letting him become a free agent would be made by team owner Jim Irsay.
"Whatever happens, happens," Manning said. "I can't give you a prediction because Jim (Irsay) and I will sit down at some point and he'll get a feel for where I am and I'll get a sense of what direction he wants to go. Right now, I have no idea."
Irsay has repeatedly said he that Manning's health, not money, will dictate the Colts' decision, and he didn't appear to back away from that with his latest Twitter post.
"Knowing medical situation last yr. n still paying $26,000,000.00 to (hash)18,I've no regrets.It was right thing2do," Irsay tweeted, explaining he was not upset about it.
Manning, who again expressed his desire to finish his NFL career in the same place it began, said he has not met with Irsay to find out the Colts' thoughts.
"That's going to happen at some point, but we haven't had that conversation yet because we really don't need to have that conversation yet," Manning said.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 53
vol4gzus writes:
Remember Manning will be playing in the Super Bowl this year in Indianapolis............Eli's coming.....If not Peyton why not Lil Bro....
CantCompare writes:
LOL @ SodaPop Curtis... Get him Peyton.. Don't let that frickin greaser spin his web of lies about you! What's next? Pony Boy talking about all the staff changes at the Big Orange? Seriously, in a way I do hope Peyton retires. That way, he can come on back to UT and show these boys how to run an offense! He doesn't really sound that optimistic about his future with the Colts though, does it? GBO!!!!!!!!
jimmyrayvol writes:
Hate to see it coming to an end, but it seems the end of a great career is near. He's a real VFL.
Vol_N_Texas writes:
You'll always have a home in east TN. Hope you continue to WOW us all in the NFL with the Colts. Just don't risk not being able to play with your twins.
GBO!
CantCompare writes:
I have to disagree. I think he will retire before going to another team. He just doesn't strike me as someone who would bounce around from team to team. I think he realized he had a great situation in Indy. He basically built that team from the ground up. I figure that once he says he's done there will be no waffling from him. His career after football is what has me most intrigued. My heart wants him to come back to TN. However, my head tells me that he will likely end up somewhere in the NFL as a coach or in the front office. Whatever team he decides to go to, whether as a player or coach, it will be my new favorite team! GPM!!! VFL!
AtopTheHill06 writes:
Jets or 49ers offer best supporting cast for Peyton.
wigmeister writes:
I hope Dooley and Hart are watching this unfold, because there would be no one more welcome back in TN orange than Peyton. Whatever happens, I hope we don't sit around twiddling our thumbs if he decides to retire. He has a brilliant football mind. Plus, he is an absolute stitch in his commercials!!!
gillblog writes:
Deep, deep, down I'm hoping he will retire for his own long-term health and consideration for his years ahead as a father. But, selfishly,I would love so much to see him play again at the same high level even for a different team.
My feeling is the Jets are a non-starter unless they remove Ryan as HC....Peyton wont tolerate nonsense and chaos in his football world, while Dallas is too deeply self-possessed in it's own problems to look outside the box for a different qb, and the Redskins don't seem to me to have much more overall talent to be at an SB level even with Peyton. That leaves someone like the Vikings or even Seahawks who do have good coaching, structure and surrounding talent.
Coaching on the college level maybe as an OC would be a major effort for Peyton given his insistance on excellence. And, he doesn't strike me as the real adminstrator-manager type college teams need in a HC to be able to succeed.
Ironcity writes:
Name another HOF player who is coaching in the college ranks? Coaches work 100 hour weeks, why would Peyton want to do that? It sounds great and feels right but the reality is Peyton is a player not a coach. I wish him well and I think whatever happens Peyton will still be a star.
CantCompare writes:
Just a cotton pickin' minute there, Dusty...You're telling me that Peyton Manning, the same Peyton Manning who lives , sleeps, eats, and breathes football would turn down a college coaching job due to hours? That's just insane! That's almost as insane as saying that Cartoon Network would not appeal to kids because it runs 24 hours per day 7 days per week! You see where I'm going? Hours are nothing to Peyton. His house is probably shaped like a football with a big ole UT mailbox. I would dare say that he sleeps in football gear much like a child in his pj's. Never doubt Peyton's work ethic my friend. Peyton is all about the challenge. What better challenge than in the college ranks? GBO! VFL!
wigmeister writes:
I still think if Peyton retires he would love to be an OC. Tell me what kid coming out of high school would not love to be coached by Peyton. If he is inclined upon retirement, I would much rather see him in Orange than anywhere else. It is a start to a career in coaching if that's what he wants. I am not saying he wants that, but I wouldn't want him anywhere else if he does!
NashvillePreds writes:
NFL doesn't care. Just look at the Titans locking out Steve McNair.
That being said, karma is a b&^%h.
Before Manning, the Colts won roughly one game for every two they lost.
Since the Colts have had Manning, they win about two games for every game they lose.
Spit in the man's face, and it may come back to haunt you, Indy.
CantStandCantStandSaban writes:
Not sure I see him in a coaching job WHEN he decides to call it a career, but could see him in a front office somewhere or the broadcasting booth. He obviously would bring a lot to the table for both positions and his personality would be a perfect fit for broadcasting.
I've met Peyton a few times over the years. My wife always makes fun of me and my alleged "man crush" (for lack of a better phrase) on him. He was always friendly and very tolerant of being bombarded with autograph and picture requests. I'm sure he'll be successful in whichever line of work he chooses and wish him nothing but the best.
gillblog writes:
The only indication we have that Peyton would even want to coach is the fact that he runs that qb camp with Eli. He really loves working with young talent in that kind of setting, but being a college coach, OC or otherwise, is quite different.
The closest analogy we can draw is with someone like Spurrier who I believe is as much a perfectionist as Peyton but who also has such an enormous ego that he essentially coaches vicariously and believes he can make his teams play as well as he did just because he is Spurrier. Plus, Spurrier did not have the success as an NFL player that Peyton has had. I don't see Peyton as having the same sort of flawed, but useful, personality.
oldvoltimer62 writes:
"Haw" Sodapop I love it.Tell "em Peyton don't let get one over on ya.I hope you do well whatever unfolds,but if you do leave Indy come on home we need ya Hoss. Go BIG ORANGE!!
volboy81 writes:
I wish & hope the best for Peyton...always, but hope it works out that he stays in Indy til he decides to hang up his cleats. After retiring, come back to The Hill and be our AD after Hart retires.
GO VOLS!!!!
smokeybitesback writes:
Hart listen very closely..if and when Peyton does retire you need to have a blank check waiting for him.I for one would love to see Peyton ripping up defensives again next season, but if and when he does retire you better hit a homerun and go get him, no matter what the cost..As either an OC or HC, hell you give him the HC job and you wont even need an OC..He's been the OC at Indy for the last 10 years..so if and when Peyton is available you need to take a check, sign his name and yours and leave the rest blank..give Peyton a blank check, give him whatever it takes to get him back in knoxville..can you even imagine the QBs and WRs that would want to come to UT just because Peyton is a coach there..with all that said i hope to see Peyton playing next season in Indy but if he does retire then i would want to see nothing more then Peyton coaching on the side line of Neyland..and to all you trolls and neysayers that talks about Peytons non experience as a coach, as i said earlier since hes been at Indy he has called the plays and controled everything on the offensive side of the ball..VFL!!!! GO VOLS
jandjhome#228397 writes:
Can you imagine Coach Manning leading the VOL walk down his own boulevard?
FWBVol writes:
I too would love to see Peyton coaching at Tennessee in some capacity, but realistically, that seems more like a pipe dream.
How much money would it take to get Peyton back to UT? I don't know, maybe not a lot, because he has plenty, or maybe more than Saban makes, because he is Peyton and all the reasons you stated above.
Peyton Manning will make $28 million next season if the Colts pick up his option. I doubt, assuming he wants to coach college football, that he would demand near that much, but still that's a number that is out there from his playing career.
It could be argued that as a player Mike Singletary was on defense what Peyton has been on offense. Singletary was a coach on the field, he got the defense lined up in order and he called the signals. Simply put, based on Singletary's career he should have been a great head coach, but we all saw what happened ot him in San Francisco. And that was coaching professional football players that were, or at least should have been, motivated to do a job and were the best of the best.
I don't know if Peyton would want the headaches of being a college coach. The hours of recruiting and game planning are endless. The NFL, take away the recruiting, is the same way.
As others have stated, Peyton is a perfectionist. He also has a fire to win that most of us can't imagine...including other football players. It's questionable whether Peyton could tolerate players that don't have his same desire or intellect.
And finally, I don't know that I would want Peyton to coach at UT for one simple reason and that is if he failed to be the same kind of coach that he was as a player, his legacy would be tarnished. I just don't know if I could stand reading comments similar to those directed at Phillip Fulmer directed at Peyton.
Yes, people are quick to shout VFL now, but they'd be on him as quick as a Sunday sneeze the first time his team went 5-7. But I doubt if it will ever happen in the first place.
jahvolfan writes:
and all those recruits behind him! whoo hoo!!!
tnsportsman writes:
I hope Peyton is healthy and can still play NFL football for a few more years. IF he can't continue playing, DAVID HART GO HIRE PEYTON MANNING ASAP!
Look at the almost exact parallel that could be comparing it to Steve Spurrier: Spurrier played 10 years in the NFL and his first coaching job was back at Florida as QB Coach, get this for Doug Dickey, LOL.
Peyton Manning is an organizational control freak, long hours preparing, study’s game film like no other, master of football offensive schemes, and is the best ‘player/coach’ for the last 13 years in the NFL. Sounds like the Perfect Head Coach to me!
Peyton doesn’t need the money, but Tennessee could make him the HIGHEST PAID OC now, then later after a few years, the HIGHEST PAID Head Coach in college football. Peyton already gives UT millions per year, charity work in the millions to St. Mary’s Hospital and is the Number One VFL!
COME HOME Peyton and be a Super Star Coach when you are done with the NFL!
GO VOLS ALWAYS!
Shake_Bake writes:
I agree 100%!! Can you imagine the impact he would have on our recruiting! If he decides to retire,...I say let's get him back here as fast as we can.
traderjoe writes:
Yeah Peyton, it's snowing and sad to be watching your buddies check out while you wait to hear your fate. You deserve better. Time to check out and take on a new challenge..get a change of scenery and make some new connections. Time to be in charge for a change, maybe like the head coaching position at UTK. As NIKE says; just do it!!!
volfan1990 writes:
No way Peyton coaches in the college ranks. He is Type-A all the way and too much of a perfectionist. He won't deal with the lack of professionalism and attention to detail that is rarely exhibited in the majority of college football players. Peyton is the same guy who told the Colts to cut pro-bowler Edgerrin James because he wasn't showing up to optional OTAs. Peyton also told his teammates their wives and children weren't allowed to stay at the team hotel for the super bowl because he didn't want them to be distracted. Coaching immature college players would drive him crazy. He is much better suited doing something similar to what John Elway is doing at Denver.
John_10065 writes:
I don't see Peyton coming back to TN anytime soon if he retires.
Unfortunately we don't have that great a track record of loyalty to our own the past few years.
Besides, I'd probably get banned off this board forever responding to the trolls here after a bad start to a season.
RashaadSalabeb writes:
If he can't go on the field as quarterback, surely to God we can find a place on the coaching staff for him. We'd love to have you Peyton....but only if you're not quarterbacking for the Colts!
Go Vols!
tenman45 writes:
I don't believe Peyton truly wants to be a Colt.The reason he and Irsay havent even talked yet. Too much change gone on already in that organization. Peyton probably plays next season, maybe change somewhere else does him good. Peyton doesn't deserve to wait on a decision after all he has accomplished as a Colt.
ncvol17 writes:
Peyton will work up the food chain to be ESPN's #1 color guy post retirement. Book It.
dvols writes:
Denver Broncos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pingkr62 writes:
Who knows what will happen. Regardless if he's a Colt or what ever, He is, was, and will always be the GREATEST quarterback to ever play the game. I would hate to see his career take a drastic turn, but that's out of his hands. Sooner or later, everyone is traded and later cut. I hope to one day see Payton back at Tennessee on the side lines, or in the press box, calling plays, or coaching young quarterbacks. Imagine THAT recruiting tool. G.B.O.!!
volsreign writes:
Anyone who thinks Dooley would hire Peyton as OC is living in a dream world. Dooley's not that stupid. He knows that everyone would want him fired from day one so Peyton could move up to head coach. It's a no win situation for him. Peyton would get all the credit for successes and he would get all the blame for failures. The only way Peyton returns to Rocky Top will be as head coach from the start.
clvolfan writes:
Do you really think Dooley would hire Manning? He would be lining up his exit route for sure,since he surely would be in line to be next head coach at UT.It ain't gonna happen. Plus,I believe that if he get's into coaching it will be the NFL,probably starting as OC at Indy.
arkyvol writes:
without peyton, the colts record over that time would have embarrassed the buffalo bills. he made a perennially mediocre team a perennial contender. it boggles the mind as to what he might have accomplished had he had the team and the coaches around him that brady has enjoyed.
Vols4Ever writes:
Peyton is a class act but also has genetics from Archie. Steve Kiner saying "Archie Who" produced a beat down (38 to humiliated) derived from being dissed. To think, dream or even suggest Peyton would work for the Evil Empire from the East that stole his Heisman in the most one sided media campaign in their pursuit of ratings proves conclusively you are delusional.
Not to exclude the possibility that Peyton may become an analyst with some network, one can deduce how much he respects the "profession" by his comment to Gary Daniels (who might be the best) when he was in the booth this year with him and Verne. Without provocation, he asked Gary if he path to obtain excellence as a commentator in the booth was to spend ones time in the NFL on the sideline, as Gary had done. Insight into Peyton's mindset that probably isn't his cup of tea.
Peyton demands excellence and don't think he has the personality to baby sit 18 year old kids that think they are God. He is the greatest NFL QB ever and is all VOL. Never will forget being in the stands on the first offensive play in Legion Field for 89 yard TD to Joey Kent. That was priceless.
Indy will let him go and if physically able will play in 2012 in the NFC.
OwensboroVol writes:
As Meticulous as Peyton is in everything he does, I find it hard to believe that he doesn't possess some knowledge of what is about to happen. I still firmly believe that the Colts are going to give Peyton his pink slip rather than paying 28 million and then drafting Andrew Luck. At his age I think any player, including Peyton, would have a difficult time adapting to another team. For those reasons, plus his health, I think Peyton will retire shortly. He will probably Coach somewhere in the NFL as a QB coach this coming season. He will be available to become Head Coach at Tennessee next fall.
cloudodust writes:
If I were Peyton, I'd refuse to guide and assist in a start up rebuilding effort at the expense of my well being. Veteran QB's who are a part of a program on the mend that sends his team-mates he's worked with for years packing is asking for injury and humiliation. Retire and get into coaching, Peyton...We'll have an opening one day Atop Rocky...
Sir_Spanky writes:
After cutting Bill Polian loose, there's no telling what those folks up there are liable to do.
nwcs writes:
My prediction: Peyton will restructure his contract, stay 2 more years with the Colts and then Andrew Luck will take over. Kind of like what should have happened with Favre and Rogers.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Love your phrase, "flawed, but useful, personality" in describing the difference between Peyton and Spurrier. It seems to me that head football coaches, at least in college and in the pros, have to be at least a little nuts to go as hard as most of them do, trying to do all the things they have to do to be successful. With reference to another poster who said that Peyton has the kind of love of football and work ethic to be a good coach, I would say that Peyton doesn't strike me as the kind of person who NEEDS to feel he can conquer the pressure and aggravation inherent in big-time coaching, aptitude and work ethic aside. Successful people in many endeavors often say that they do what they do because they can't see themselves doing anything else. They are not as interested in money or honors as they are in proving themselves TO themselves, though it doesn't hurt if they can feel somehow slighted by outsiders, like Michael Jordan. I don't see that outlook in Peyton. In short, he is just too well-adjusted to have that kind of need in his life.
A_Voice_ofReason writes:
For all of you people saying that you expect Manning to have a long future as a coach, use some common sense first. There aren't many studs that played the game that can come in and be a coach, manager, etc. It just doesn't happen. MJ is a terrible GM. He drafted Salami Brown for god's sake. Magic Johnson's coaching career stunk. Can you remember a stud NFL guy that ever amounted to anything as a coach? Nope, just doesn't happen.
Manning would be best taking some time to enjoy himself for a while. He won't...he'll do other things, but he won't be successful as an NFL coach because he'll expect the players to execute like he did...and they won't.
CantCompare writes:
Just read another article about Peyton's future. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Pe... . I'm so sick of these writers telling everyone that "the end is near" or "the writing is on the wall". Truth is, no one knows except for Peyton and Irsay!!! I just hope that Peyton ends his career on HIS terms and no one else's! I know he is no Favre. When Peyton is done playing, he will be done for good. However, Peyton has an undying passion for this game, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him trying to play as long as he is physically able. I'm really not liking the way the scenario is playing out though. It looks like Irsay is starting to distance himself from Peyton and vice versa. Whatever happens Peyton, I have truly enjoyed watching you play for the past 16 years! GBO! VFL!
illinoisvolfan writes:
Peyton finishing his career in Indy would be great, but like you said, it should have happened in Green Bay and it didn't. Professional sports have the "what have you done for me lately" mentality.
Ironically, Peyton can draw a similar parallel with his dad, at least in this stage of his career. Archie was the bright light in a poor Saints team in the 1970s. What was his reward, possibly a playoff run or a chance to own part of the team? No, he was traded to Houston and later to Minnesota.
SavTnVol writes:
just as long as that "TN orange" isn't those gawd awful pants that CDD wears...come on home Peyton...
SBWB2 writes:
To all the post here refering to Manning being back in Knoxville... THAT WOULD BE SO GREAT !
martinvol34 writes:
Amen. I will hate the Colts that I've loved since I've been in Baltimore if they dump him after he gave them so much with all those sorry teams. It's business, but while understanding the risk, there is no reason they should give up on a fighter. Yes, his new team unless a college team other than UT will be my new favorite team as well.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Being a Knoxvillian/UT alum who has also had the privilege of living in Indy with our beloved Peyton and the Colts, I can tell you that it will be a VERY sad day in Indy when Peyton leaves. He is loved there as much as he is in K-town...well, almost. He has said he doesn't want to be a head coach, but I can't imagine anything greater than seeing him back in Neyland in some capacity. His blood is orange for sure. And I want to be at that parade! We love you, Peyton! GBO! VFL!
BigBadVol writes:
If Peyton is healthy and becomes a free agent, there will be a shark frenzy to get this guy. He is simply the best. He had more responsibility than any QB in NFL history and he succeeded with greatness. He will always be my favorite Vol along with Al Wilson! VFL!
BuckFama1973 writes:
If there is a god in heaven, PLEASE let him have Peyton come coach the Vols.
Griswold writes:
Peyton will never be a HC at UT. Please stop with that nonsense. He's got $100 million in the bank and young twins. Why would he want to work 100 hours a week and fly all over the country kissing high school kids' arses to come here to make a mere (to him) $5 million a year. It makes no sense at all and will never ever happen. Give it a rest.
Theo writes:
My fondest wish would be to see Peyton on the sideline on Rocky Top.
I would generally, however, dismiss this as so many other posters have noted - he doesn't need the money and he seems uniquely cut out to do television commentary.
I would like to add to that I would doubt he stays in Indy. It's a nice town but the weather is horrible. It is gray from October through April. Gray, interspersed with wind, interspersed with sleet, interspersed with snow, interspersed with cold rain. Not the natural habitat for a N'awlins son. If he is on TV they could move the family back to warm, sunny New Orleans and be near Archie and Olivia with the twins. Gee I wonder if Olivia would like that.
Here is the wildcard though - how much does Peyton like the QB camp they run? Does he get a charge out of working with kids? For some folks shaping young people into better football players and better men would trump everything else.
I will say that if he wants to coach in college it will be at UT.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.