Peyton Manning has helped restore the Denver Broncos to a place of prominence in the NFL.
With Manning under center, the Broncos are a perennial contender. The only issue is that Manning may not be under center for much longer.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback is known to be interested in owning and operating an NFL team and pursuing a post-playing career that mirrors that of Denver executive John Elway. Manning remained in close contact with Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who was rumored to be interested in purchasing the Tennessee Titans before ultimately ending up in the AFC North during his decision process.
Longtime Titans owner Bud Adams passed away last year, and several family members are reportedly interested in selling after the Buffalo Bills were purchased for $1.4 billion.
"Some believe the Titans could fetch upwards of $2 billion, and with the NFL pursuing teams in Los Angeles and London, seeing a smaller-market franchise come close to that range would only be a boost to the overall valuations of those top markets as well," wrote Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. "Manning and his family have strong ties to Tennessee, where he played college ball, and one of the reasons Manning came so close to picking the Titans to play for when released by the Colts was the potential to one day be part of an ownership group there (at the time, with Haslam eyeing the franchise). Haslam is likely to approach Manning again about such an option should he end his playing days, and Manning's interest in ownership is not lost on potential Titans buyers as well."
Manning is known as one of the most intelligent, well prepared and cerebral quarterbacks of all time. It remains to be seen whether those skills would translate to a front office position. Elway and Ozzie Newsome of the Baltimore Ravens are prime examples of former players who found success as executives.
"Manning will be heavily courted by various media outlets as well, but many close to him believe the opportunity to have an ownership stake in a team, and help control its operation, strikes closer to his ultra-competitive core, and its something he could quickly transition into should he opt to hang up his spikes. Sources said he has not expressed intent one way or the other to the Broncos - 'no one has any idea if this is it or not,' said one source close to him. 'I don't even think he knows' - but it would not come as a shock should he opt to retire after the playoffs."
Manning will turn 39 in March. He already has a Super Bowl ring and almost every passing record imaginable. The time could be just right to call it quits.
