Written by Mike DiRicco at ESPN.com
Peyton Manning knew the question about his future was hanging out there, so he figured he’d address it before he began his speech on leadership at the Florida Forum on Wednesday night.
As soon as the applause died down from his introduction, Manning somberly looked out at the audience and drew a deep breath.
“Many of you have probably heard that I have a significant announcement to make, so I thought I’d go ahead and make it with all of you here tonight,” Manning said. “Papa John’s is offering 50 percent off tonight through Friday.
“I’m sure that was the response you were looking for.”
That was the only time on Wednesday night that Manning even hinted at whether he’s going to retire after an 18-year career, a decision he must make by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday because his $19 million base salary for 2016 would be guaranteed the following day.
Manning, who won his second Super Bowl title last season, touched on a variety of other topics during his 33-minute speech at The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, including how he dealt with a foot injury in 2015, the Nationwide insurance jingle, and how he’s revered in Omaha, Nebraska.
Manning missed seven starts in 2015 because of a tear in the plantar fascia near his left heel. The NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns, he finished with nine touchdown passes and 17 interceptions last season, the first time he has had more interceptions than touchdown passes in a season since his rookie year in 1998.
Manning said sitting out and rehabbing his foot was tough to endure. He didn’t travel with the team for the first few road games, and when doctors said it wasn’t safe for him to be on the sideline at home games because his foot was in a cast, he suffered in silence watching the games in the Broncos’ locker room.
To continue reading this article, click here.
