Although Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning admitted he wants to continue playing football, he didn't rule out retiring after the 2014 Super Bowl. Whether Manning returns next season reportedly depends on the result of an upcoming medical exam on his neck.
A full two years removed from his neck surgeries, Manning played better than ever this season. His arm strength appeared to have improved from last year, and he turned in one of the best seasons ever for a quarterback: 5,477 passing yards for 55 touchdowns - both single-season records - and just 10 interceptions.
Still, Manning is uncertain if his health will hold up for another season.
"I certainly had a career change two years ago with my injury, with changing teams so I truly have been a one-year-at-a-time basis, so I really have no plans beyond this game," Manning said on Sunday, via ESPN. "I had no plans coming into this season beyond this year, I think that's kind (of) a healthy way to approach your career at this stage."
Manning acknowledged he wants to play next season, but only if he can help his team to win games.
"I still enjoy playing football, I feel a little better than I thought I would at this point coming off that surgery. I still enjoy the preparation part of it, the work part of it," said Manning. "Everybody enjoys the game, everybody's excited to play in a Super Bowl, but I think when you still enjoy the preparation, the work part of it, I think you still ought to be doing that.
"I think as soon as I stop enjoying it, if I can't do this, if I can't help the team, that's when I stop playing. If that's next year and maybe it is, but I certainly want to continue to keep playing."
A medical exam on his neck, scheduled for some time in March, reportedly will factor into Manning's decision about returning next season, according to a Jan. 13 ESPN report.
Per ESPN:
"Peyton Manning's future beyond this season will be determined by the results of an offseason exam on his surgically repaired neck, sources familiar with the star quarterback's mindset told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen. ...
"If the exam reveals that his neck is stable, Manning plans to return to the Broncos in 2014, regardless of how Denver fares this postseason, according to sources.
"But if there is an increased risk of injury, Manning will be forced to decide whether to retire, sources said."
Manning and the Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday, Feb. 2.
