Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is training with the intent to play the 2015 NFL season, according to Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune. Manning is in New Orleans being evaluated by fitness trainer Mackie Shilstone, and will begin training this week, according to the report.
Peyton Manning training, planning to play in 2015, per report
Peyton Manning looks like he’s going to try to play his 18th NFL season in 2015.
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Manning has played 17 seasons in the league, and at nearly 39 years of age he's the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL. He also had multiple neck surgeries back in 2012 that had many questioning his ability to play football ever again. When the Broncos were eliminated from the playoffs by the Indianapolis Colts, it was unknown whether Manning would return to the team for an 18th NFL season.
The Broncos would obviously like him back. They handed Manning a massive contract when they signed him in 2012, and he is due $19 million next season. It’s safe to say that he’s not hurting for money, so the fact that he’s going through the steps to see if he can play next season likely means that he wants to get back on the field. The big question is whether his body can sustain the rigors of another NFL season.
Specifically, Manning’s neck is a constant point of emphasis. There’s also the thigh injury that he dealt with down the stretch this past season. Manning was as effective as ever overall in 2014, with 39 touchdown passes, 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 101.5. The Broncos were once again one of the best teams in the league.
But Manning did show signs of wear down the stretch. He certainly wasn’t the cause of Denver’s playoff loss, but in the final weeks of the regular season and throughout the playoffs Manning’s passes didn’t appear to have the velocity they did earlier in the year. Even if he’s cleared to play next year, there will still be the question of whether he can hold up for another full season.
Whatever the case, the report says the Broncos have asked Manning to let them know what he plans to do by March 9, the day before the new league year begins.
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