Irsay Addresses Manning/Luck Situation

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 11:36 am

This is a good story on NFL.com about the Colts' situation with Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... r-apparent

Okay Colts' fans -- and we have many in the NFFC -- what do you think will happen with the QB situation next year in Indianapolis? What do you think should happen? Do you want Peyton to retire in Indy or make way for the new heir apparent?

Irsay: Colts' ideal situation is healthy Manning and heir apparent

By Jason La Canfora NFL Network
NFL Network Insider
IRVING, Texas -- Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay believes that the "ideal situation" would be to have a healthy Peyton Manning on the roster in 2012, along with his "heir apparent." But Irsay conceded Wednesday at the NFL's Special League Meeting that may not end up being the case.

The Colts have a $28 million option due on Manning on March 8, five days before the start of the league year. Trades are not permitted until the league year begins, although Manning can alter his contract, including the date of the option.

Irsay understands that the situation with Manning, who is recovering from his third neck surgery in the last 19 months, is fluid. The 0-13 Colts also have a firm grip on the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Irsay pointed to the Packers' decision to draft Aaron Rodgers in the first round and sit him for several seasons behind Brett Favre, but added "obviously Aaron Rodgers wasn't the first pick in the draft." He also noted the 49ers had Joe Montana and Steve Young on the same roster, with the caveat that "of course that was an un-capped era."

So for now, there is uncertainty about the Colts offseason.

"It's always difficult when you're transitioning through an era," Irsay said. "And where do eras begin, and where do they officially end, and all of those sorts of things.

"That remains to be seen, but the hope is, ideally, we've always thought having Peyton play well and retire on his own terms, and having his heir apparent there would be the ideal situation. Now can that happen and will that happen? There's just too many unknown variables right now to know if it will."

Irsay said he has continued to monitor Manning's health and gets regular updates, although it's virtually certain he will not be able to practice, much less play, in 2011.

Manning has begun throwing on his own and has "slowly increased his activity," Irsay said, though there remains no timetable for his return.

"The good news is the fusion took place and he's able to increase his activities and that sort of thing," Irsay said. "He's making slow, continued progress and that's what you'd hope for at this point."

For the immediate future, the Colts' uncertainty looks certain to continue.

Riverdog · Post by **Riverdog** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 12:10 pm

Its a tough situation for Indy. They owe everything to Peyton but they will have to move on at some point and the chance to make Luck the franchise QB is very tempting.

The post/quotes strikes me funny though as its kinda long and descriptive but really the same information we have been dealing with for a couple months.

bald is beautiful · Post by **bald is beautiful** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:26 pm

Originally posted by Riverdog:
Its a tough situation for Indy. I don't see it that way at all. They will be amazingly fortunate if they get back to back franchise QB's. It takes some franchises 20-40 years to get a stud QB, the foundational building block for championship teams.

Ted's Cracked Head · Post by **Ted's Cracked Head** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:28 pm

Irsay, the Colts and their fans will get the best of both worlds.

I think Peyton retires from playing but stays on to mentor the wonder kid. Peyton is not in this game for a payday and I believe he knows his health is worth more than another year or three. He can still earn millions doing commercials and such.

Irsay will reward him for what he has done and is about to do for the franchise. He won't get 28 million but he will get paid. He stays on as a consultant and maybe takes over as OC in 1-2 years?

[ December 14, 2011, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: Silver and Black ]

Coltsfan · Post by **Coltsfan** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 3:26 pm

Rob,

I think that would be best case scenario. I hope you're right.

Wayne

[ December 15, 2011, 06:35 AM: Message edited by: Coltsfan ]

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 4:44 pm

Slam dunk call. Draft Luck. Let him sit and learn from Manning (assuming Peyton can return next season). Make the transition from one franchise QB to the next as few teams are fortunate to do.

Riverdog · Post by **Riverdog** » Wed Dec 14, 2011 8:07 pm

What I mean by tough situation for Indy is Manning means so much to them - Manning was the face of the NFL in many ways in the last 7+ years. Manning has such a desire to play that if he wants to play it would be hard for Indy to say no - they love him - fans, coaches, owners - everyone.

Yet with his age and the uncertainty of his injury the obvious best move for Colts is to draft Luck and start him either year 1 or year 2.
One thing for sure they would not want a benched Peyton Manning that wants to be starting in the NFL and is upset he's not.

Yes they can just let him go but if Peyton Manning plans to play football next year it will be a sad day to see him leave Indy.

Ted's Cracked Head · Post by **Ted's Cracked Head** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 4:33 am

I totally agree with you Todd. Peyton is all that is good about professional sports and not just the NFL. I dare anyone to name any player in any sport over the past decade who embodies the spirit of his position as a leader on and off the field as much as he has.

This isn't a case of a player with diminishing skills as we have seen in recent past, he is still an elite QB who is suffering from a an injury that could be career ending. This isn't Brett Favre or even Joe Montana refusing to go quietly, this is a QB who is still a top 5 player at his position and one whose loyalty and commitment to his team, fans and sport cannot be questioned.

If I am wrong and he can continue to play, the Colts should pay him - play him - and draft/pay the wonder kid with an eye to the future. I believe he has earned the right to make the call and the Colts SHOULD stand by his decision. I believe that Irsay will do the right thing for Peyton, his teams future and the fans.

If not, there will be quite a bidding war for his services. It is kind of fun to think about scenarios that have him in a different uniform:

1) Cowher and Peyton in Miami?
2) Arizona - Fitz would again be a top 12 pick.
3) Seattle - I think they too have cap room?
4) The Vikes - only because a Manning/Rodgers matchup twice a year might be fun to watch. Ponder could learn from the master and step in when the time comes.
5) SF - are they just missing this one piece to really compete?

renman · Post by **renman** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 5:35 am

Tom,

Remember me saying that Luck going to the Colts where a healthy (lets assume) Peyton is sitting creates an 'ugly' or unpleasant situation? That is what created this thread. That is what lead to the comments by Archie Manning earlier this week about them not being a good fit on the same team. Which he seemed to be force to recant a day later.

Luck is a PLAY NOW type talent in my opinion. I personally much prefer him on a team that allows him to play now. An NFL career generally doesn't span much time. It would be a shame to see Luck lose 2-3 years in his athletic prime sitting.

If It is proven that Peyton has recovered from the neck thing and can play and play at the same high level he would in theory have a good 3-4 years left in him. I would trade luck and flood the organization with the pieces needed to make another run for the title through 2014-2015. Then, when Peyton is slowing down revisit who the next QB will be. Who knows who the next stud QB is the next 3-4 years is going to be?

I think it is better for the NFL to have Luck go somewhere and play now. I think it is better for Luck to play now. I think it is better for Manning to have Luck elsewhere to avoid the ugly QB controversy.

If there is ANY DOUBT about Peytons injury and ability to return to form you draft Luck.

mattjb · Post by **mattjb** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 6:49 am

Indy need a lot of help.

Forget sentiment and trade Peyton to the highest bidder and rebuild the team.