Neck exam could determine future of Peyton Manning’s NFL career
By Bryan Rose
The Denver Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning will take the field Sunday afternoon against the San Diego Chargers for what possibly could be the final game of their season. Win or lose, Peyton Manning expects to play football in 2014 though the choice may not be completely his.
In March, Manning will undergo a contract mandated exam to determine the stability of his neck – a test which will likely have the final say in Manning’s potential retirement or return to the NFL.
Per ESPN:
"Despite setting NFL single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns in 2013 with the Denver Broncos, Manning will undergo the physical exam in March, as mandated by his contract, the sources told Mortensen.If the exam reveals that his neck is stable, Manning plans to return to the Broncos in 2014, regardless of how Denver fares this postseason, according to sources.But if there is an increased risk of injury, Manning will be forced to decide whether to retire, sources said."
Manning himself has said he knows the end is within range but he’s understandably not ready to hang up the cleats just yet. Then again, it may not be his choice.
Hopefully for football fans, the eagerly anticipated test will come back clean and we’ll get at minimum another season out of the legendary quarterback.