Peyton Manning Not Ready to Retire and Expects to Return Soon

According to an interview on Tuesday with ESPN, Peyton Manning made it clear that he expects to be able to make a return to the NFL and is confident that he should be cleared by doctors soon.

“The doctors and I have been in constant communication,” said Manning during the ESPN interview. “I’ve seen these guys for weeks and everything they’re saying is right on point, that everything looks good and I’ll be cleared and ready to go.”

The bigger question which still appears uncertain is whether Manning will be able to remain in Indianapolis and return next season for the Colts. Based on the interview, that decision should be made within the coming weeks.

During the interview, when asked about the current status of the rehabilitation of his neck following recent surgeries, Manning replied, “It’s good. I really feel good. I continue to make progress every day. Everything the doctors have told me has been on point, which is encouraging to me. I had a great day today of rehab. I just got back from the facility. That’s what I’m going to continue to do. Just try to get better. That’s the plan I have from here on out.”

In relation to his current discussions with the Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Irsay about remaining with the team next season, “That’s hard for me to answer.” Payton continued, “Certainly Jim Irsay and I are going to talk. …He and I are going to have dinner Thursday night. He’s having a big party for some of the other NFL people. … So I’ll see him there and we’ll have a chance to visit. Probably not about everything that going on about my future, but we will at an appropriate time, and I think some decisions will be made after that.”

Regardless of the outcome of the meeting with Irsay, Manning stressed that his relationship with the Colts owner will remain “great the rest of our lives.”