Peyton Manning or no Peyton Manning, that is the question in Denver. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
Peyton Manning met with Denver Broncos officials on Thursday, but the superstar quarterback did not declare whether he will play in 2015, multiple media outlets reported.
Broncos chief executive officer Joe Ellis rode team owner Pat Bowlen’s private plane to New Orleans on Thursday morning to pick up Manning, and the two flew back to Colorado to meet with general manager John Elway at team headquarters in Englewood.
Manning did not give the team a firm commitment for the upcoming season, NFL.com, ESPN.com and the Denver Post reported. However, recent reports that Manning was training in New Orleans led to speculation that he is leaning toward playing again.
According to the Post, if Manning decides to return, he must pass a physical exam between Feb. 23 and March 5. His $19 million salary is guaranteed if he is on the Broncos’ roster as of March 9.
After the Broncos’ playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts last month, Manning wouldn’t commit to his playing future. He reportedly wanted medical evaluations on his surgically repaired neck and a thigh injury. He had several surgeries on his neck in 2012 before signing with Denver, and he has his neck tested every offseason.
The Broncos also changed head coaches after the 2014 season, bringing in Gary Kubiak to replace John Fox. Kubiak also replaced offensive coordinator Adam Gase with his coordinator from the Houston Texans, Rick Dennison.
Manning, 38, completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 4,727 yards in 2014. He threw for 39 touchdowns and was intercepted 15 times.
The previous year, he enjoyed arguably the greatest passing season in history, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He won his record fifth MVP award.
