Quarterback Peyton Manning still wants to have a chat with Denver Broncos executive vice president and general manager John Elway before he makes anything official, but all signs are beginning to point to Manning returning for one more go-round in the NFL.
"Peyton Manning is back home in New Orleans and training with the intent to play the 2015 NFL season, a source close to Manning said Monday," writes Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.
"The Denver Broncos' quarterback has been evaluated by renowned fitness trainer Mackie Shilstone and is expected to begin training with Shilstone this week as he starts offseason preparations for his 18th NFL season, two sources close to Manning said Monday."
Manning, who will turn 39 in March, has been awaiting medical clearance for specialists on his surgically repaired neck and the thigh injury he suffered late in the year. Should he in fact return for his 18th season, he will be the oldest starting quarterback in the league, which speaks to why he chose to work with Shilstone.
"Shilstone specializes in career extension," writes Duncan. "He's worked with hundreds of professional athletes over the years, including boxers Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins and most notably tennis superstar Serena Williams. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ozzie Smith acknowledged Shilstone in his induction speech and credited the trainer with adding 11 years to his career."
Manning threw for 4,727 yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last year for the Broncos. He led the team to another winning record and AFC West crown in the regular season, but the group faltered in the playoffs, losing to Manning's former team, the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional round.
The NFL's only five-time MVP said during the season that he had every intention of returning next season then changed his tune after the unexpected playoff loss.
