Top 10 Reasons Why Peyton Manning will Retire

Jan 21, 2012

Top 10 Reason Why Peyton Manning Will Retire:

By: Michelle Zehr

Zehr is a blog contributor for Gold Star Games, a one-stop shop for tailgate gear and much more.

Star quarterback, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, has had three neck surgeries in his career. This 14-year National Football League veteran was sidelined for the entire 2011 season as the result of complications from surgery. As the Colts finished with a highly uncharacteristic record of 2-14, the question has been raised. Will we ever see Peyton Manning on the field again? While we have yet to reach a verdict on the topic, here are some of the top reasons why Peyton Manning may be better off enjoying retirement.

Without a doubt, Peyton Manning has had an outstanding career. He is third in all time touchdowns thrown, passing yards and numbers of pass competitions. He has four MVP awards, five first-team All-Pro selections and three second-team All-Pro Selections. Not to mention the superbowl ring he possesses. Chances are, he’d be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Not all great athletes have to make an comeback from a serious injury. Reflecting on his amazing career, Manning may just decide it is time to retire.
Money is not a question. Manning has made plenty of money in his career. From his salary along with endorsements, Manning made $26 million in just one calendar year. Manning could move on to other opportunities (coaching or commentating) or just enjoy the good life before planning out his next move.
If Peyton doesn’t play next year, he very well could be the most sought after commodity in the league. Talk about options, there are plenty of coaching opportunities that are expected to be up for grabs. Additionally, Manning has the options of book deals or working as an announcer or analyst (imagine the increase in ratings that would come for the network that was to pick up Peyton Manning).
Peyton is married and the proud father of infant twins. Being a star NFL quarterback is a huge commitment. Retirement could mean a lot more family time.
You cannot put a price on health. Manning has been playing football for an extremely long time. Football causes extreme wear and tear on the body. Returning to the game may cause long-term or severe effects on his neck and spine.
Peyton Manning did not have minor surgery. During surgery, Manning’s surgeons used a part of his hip bone to help fuse the vertebrae in his neck. Many patients, who undergo this procedure, experience hip pain for the rest of their lives. Hip pain is not something you want to experience when you’ve got a defense full of 300 + pound men with a goal of sacking you.
Manning is human. Humans have fears. A serious injury followed by major surgery could easily cause Manning to lose some of his fearlessness and competitiveness during games.
There is nothing in Peyton Manning’s contract that requires him to continue playing football. The choice is Peyton’s. The NFL nor the Indianapolis Colts have a say in the matter.
Peyton Manning is good great is even a better word to use here. He has nothing to prove to anyone. His stats say it all. If he wants to retire, he can. If not, we may just see him next season.