Peyton Manning was awarded the Bart Starr Award on Friday for his leadership and character off the field. But it was his plans on the field that many were hoping he’d reveal.
The 17-year veteran ended the 2014 season by remaining noncommittal about 2015. After his acceptance speech Friday — in which he offered a powerful speech about leadership, character and the impact he hopes to have on even non-NFL fans — a group of reporters pulled him aside to get an update.
“I haven’t made a decision,” he said. “I’m still trying to take some time to evaluate some things, to talk to some people. Obviously the Broncos have been quite busy hiring staff. I have had some dialogue with coach (Gary) Kubiak, I did have a chance to see him in person the other day. These NFL rules are a little different — you’re not allowed to talk football. So it was a chance for he and I to really get to know each other, and I really enjoyed my visit with him.”
During the Bart Starr Breakfast, Manning’s friend and Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, serenaded Manning and the room full of spectators with his own take on the Nationwide jingle: “Peyton please come back and play.”
Brees’ request came a day after that he hopes Manning returns, and follows many weeks of speculation by media, fans, players across the league and even .
Manning has , the last day of the 2014 season to decide. His $19 million salary for 2015 is fully guaranteed if he is on the Broncos’ roster by that date.
(Video by Troy E. Renck)
