[PC Live @ Noon EST on NFLN] | BREAKING: Peyton Manning Released by Colts

[RavenSEAL]

Source: Colts to release Peyton Manning
ESPN.com news services

Peyton Manning's 14-year career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts is coming to an end.

Sources close to the team told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the announcement will come at a news conference in Indianapolis on Wednesday with both Manning and owner Jim Irsay in attendance.

The decision to pass on the $28 million bonus owed Manning and not to pick up the four remaining years on his contract means Manning will become a free agent, and sources told Mortensen that he intends to continue to play.

The four-time league MVP missed the entire 2011 season after having his third neck surgery in 19 months, a fusion of two vertebrae. His doctors have medically cleared him to resume his career and Manning has increased his throwing regimen.

Several sources have told ESPN during the past month that Manning's throwing strength has dramatically improved as his nerves continue to regenerate following his latest neck surgery Sept. 8. Dr. Robert Watkins, who performed the single-level cervical fusion, has stated publicly that he has cleared Manning to resume his playing career.

Manning has broken all of Indianapolis' career records for quarterbacks and had never missed a start before last season. He's taken the Colts to the playoffs 11 times, captured seven AFC South titles in eight years, won two AFC championships, one Super Bowl title and a Super Bowl MVP Award.

The Colts have the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft and are likely to draft former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck or former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Here come the Jets

 

[etrigan420]

Goddamit...

 

[rudeguy]

I really, really hope he takes a season off. Then starts his coaching career.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Go to the Niners!

 

[lupi]

reposties

 

[dbk]

skinssssssssss

 

[boomhower]

I think the Cardinals would be a good fit.

 

[FreshCrabLegs]

IndyColtsFan

Where be yew!

 

[djnsmith7]

I'm not surprised...I think it was pretty obvious the Colts didn't want his services (regardless of level) anymore anyway. This will be a good change for him, regardless of where he ends up or what he ends up doing. He should seriously consider retirement though. One more neck or back injury & he could be looking at permanent paralysis.

 

[rudeguy]

IndyColtsFan

Where be yew!

shoot

I hope he's not at the gun store

 

[CrackRabbit]

shoot

I hope he's not at the gun store

Na he's just petitioning the mods for a name change. :whiste:

 

[MayorOfAmerica]

I took the Jets in the office pool, but AZ or Miami makes more sense.

 

[lothar]

IndyColtsFan

Where be yew!

I wonder if he'll still keep cheering for his team and the owner based on this decision or if he'll start cheering for the Patriots now.

Will he change his name to NEPatsFan? PeyManingFan? or "whatever team Peyton Manning decides to join"Fan?

 

[Fingolfin269]

I have nothing against Luck but really hope he flops, at least during his time at Indy.

 

[foghorn67]

I took the Jets in the office pool, but AZ or Miami makes more sense.

Lol. Pretty much what I did. Although I didn't think of Miami.
Im throwing Seattle out there. Even though I know nothing about their current contract obligations, budget, etc.

 

[lothar]

I have nothing against Luck but really hope he flops, at least during his time at Indy.

So you have something against the Indiana Colts team then?

 

[foghorn67]

I wonder if he'll still keep cheering for his team and the owner based on this decision or if he'll start cheering for the Patriots now.

Will he change his name to NEPatsFan? PeyManingFan? or "whatever team Peyton Manning decides to join"Fan?

He's an Indy resident. I think he's a dedicated and true fan.

 

[wirednuts]

14 years? jeezus... i remember him comin in, i cant believe it was that long ago. same with kobe bryant- 16 years ago! i remember his rookie year and it seems more like 10 years ago

 

[lothar]

He's an Indy resident. I think he's a dedicated and true fan.

So I take it that he will start using a picture of Andrew Luck as his Avatar starting tomorrow after the press conference?

Nah...I'm just toying with him.
IndyColtsFan is a cool guy.

 

[waggy]

Come to Chicago payton!

 

[RPD]

Go to the Niners!

This, please THIS!!!!

 

[IndyColtsFan]

He's an Indy resident. I think he's a dedicated and true fan.

:'( :'( :'( Forgive me, let me regain my composure....:'( :'( :'(

I'll be the first in line to get a Luck jersey, and I'll be the first in line to get a Manning jersey for whatever team grabs him, even if that team is the Pats (who wise up and get an upgrade at QB).

 

[IndyColtsFan]

And by the way, I am very disappointed in Irsay. He lied if this report is true.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

So you have something against the Indiana Colts team then?

He's a Titans fan.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

If the Niners got Peyton, they're the best team in the league. Green Bay's pretty solid too, and you obviously have to give props to the defending champ Giants, but I think the Niners with an elite quarterback are unbeatable.