Peyton Manning might have played the final NFL game of his career Sunday afternoon.
The Denver Broncos quarterback struggled mightily — to the point where he and his team were booed by the home crowd — as the Indianapolis Colts upended Manning and the Broncos in an AFC divisional-round game. With the season over, Manning wasn’t ready to comment on what the future holds for him.
“My mindset right now is disappointment after the game,” Manning told reporters after the game. “(Broncos radio broadcaster) Dave Logan asked me about it after the game and like I said, I didn’t have a great answer for him. I’m disappointed. I kind of need to process this game and we’ll meet (Monday). I need to process this game. I’m disappointed right now.”
Manning was then pressed further, as a reporter asked whether Manning’s trepidation means there’s a chance he might not return for another season.
“I guess I just can’t give that simple answer. I’m processing it. I can’t say that. I could not say that (that he’ll certainly return next season),” Manning answered.
Manning, who admitted to dealing with a thigh injury, was not his usual self down the stretch and into the playoffs. He struggled with the deep ball Sunday against the Colts and looked out of sync with the offense.
His decision could also be affected by what happens with the Broncos moving forward. Head coach John Fox might be on the hot seat after the one-and-one, according to reports. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase is reportedly on the short list of head coaching candidates for teams still with openings. Tight end Julius Thomas also is set to become a free agent this offseason.
Manning did say in December, however, that he planned on returning.
Thumbnail photo via Chris Humphreys/USA TODAY Sports
