Archie Manning joined Andrew Siciliano on NFL Network’s ‘Super Bowl Live’ on Thursday to talk about the future of his son, Peyton Manning, in the NFL.
It’s been a strange season for the Manning family, who saw one son get a big contract extension and his career-long coach part ways with the team, and another who was relegated to the bench mid-season after injury. Archie has taken note of the roller coaster. “I think Peyton has had kind of a peace throughout this process, Archie Manning said. “I think he realizes how fortunate he’s been throughout his career, not only to play for good teams and good coaches but he’s also been healthy. He missed that one season but other than that he’s always played. So this is the first time in his career where he’s been hurt during the season and didn’t play. Brock (Osweiler) came in and did a great job, and Peyton didn’t know if he’d play again. I think he did the only thing he could do and took on a role of a backup quarterback and he got thrown in. Fortunately, they scored some touchdowns and won a couple of games and now they’re back here (the Super Bowl.) We’re very proud of him.”
The biggest question surrounding Peyton all week long has been about his future and if Super Bowl 50 is his last game. Who better to ask than his father, who has watched his sons play in 6 of the last 10 Super Bowls.
“I don’t know. If he’s going to quit, maybe he’s made his decision. He’s certainly not going to announce it. It’s very possible he’s just going to defer that and take some time sometime soon after the season and kind of lay everything out. I think that’s the best process. He’s always been very good at things like this and making big decisions. He’ll handle it.”
Archie wonders if the outcome of the game will play a factor in Peyton’s decision. “The fact that we haven’t talked about it I wonder if that does. Win or lose if that’s going to affect his decision. Like I said, he may have made up his mind but knowing him, I don’t think he has. I think he’ll leave an avenue to say ‘I might want to do it again and if I really thought I could be healthy and contribute somewhere.’ But if he doesn’t think he can do it then he’ll probably hang it up and it will have been a good run.”
Archie finished the interview talking about what Peyton would do once he does ride off into the sunset. “I think Peyton will have some options. I told him he’s got a great life waiting out there for him. You almost have to look at is as your first life (football career) and your second life (post-football career). He’s going to have some good options. I don’t think he’ll sit around for too long. Peyton likes to get out and attack things.”
So either Archie isn’t telling the whole story or nobody really knows about the future of Peyton Manning other than possibly number 18 himself.
