Texan Mosaic

by: STEVEN GEHEGAN/Staff Writer

Peyton Manning has been known as a one of the greatest quarterbacks to play in the NFL. As the 2015-2016 football season got underway, many sports fans analysts began to question Manning’s athletic abilities due to the multiple injuries suffered throughout the duration of his career.

Manning began the season with many people having high hopes that he was going to lead the charge for the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl; however, Peyton faced multiple injuries in the beginning stages of season.

As the Broncos quarterback faced a foot and throwing arm injury, the question of Manning playing in the NFL after the season became to surface the sports world. Head Coach Gary Kubiak put the quarterback on injury reserve until Manning was one hundred percent to become the starter again.

Backup quarterback Brock Osweiler took over the head quarterback job and was able to lead the Broncos to multiple impressive wins through the thick of their schedule. As reports surfaced of deeper problems within Manning’s injuries, the skepticism of sports analyst grew stronger.

With the aging process, recovering from injuries can become more difficult, but it is not impossible. Many athletes have ended their careers due to severe injuries in sports, but there are a small number of athletes to return after extensive injuries. After more than six weeks without setting foot on the football field the, the Broncos entered the NFC Championship game with what seemed to be a somewhat solid win.

As the game began, Osweiler was able to outlast the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it proved to be an overwhelming task for the young quarterback. In the second half of the game Peyton was put in the game to take charge of the helm for the Broncos.

Peyton’s play was exceedingly exceptional in the second half of play and led his fellow teammates to a convincing 23-16, win over the Steelers. After the win in the post-game press conference, Coach Kubiak announced that Peyton would be the Broncos starting quarterback throughout the duration of their playoff run.

This obviously proved to be the best decision the Broncos staff made as Manning led his team to a Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers. This supports my opinion that Manning should have no problem competing in the NFL in the future if that is his decision to do so. No one has the exact answer to what the Broncos quarterback wants to do, but I am confident that Peyton could withstand the punishment of the game along with the obstacles and adversity he could face.

Peyton is one of the oldest quarterbacks to lead his team to a Super Bowl win. Along with being one of the oldest players in the league, Peyton has undergone multiple surgical operations and many people had wondered if he was going to throw in the towel then, but he did not.

Manning retiring at this point in his career would be a big event in the sports world; however, no one knows if he is willing the hang up his cleats and leave the sport he loves. I believe Peyton will stay in the league for at least another year.

If he does stay in the NFL, Peyton could possibly be quarterbacking for another team, but many speculations find him staying with the Broncos for the duration of his career. For a person to leave something he or she loves dearly is a difficult decision for any person. For Manning, many family members and teammates have explained he has a love for football that cannot compared. If a bond is that strong, playing a sport until someone cannot physically play it anymore would be a strong solution to the rumors.

Peyton Manning leaving the league is very unlikely in my mind and I firmly see him keeping his talents in Denver. Money is not one of his reason for staying in the NFL. It is purely the thoughts of his family and the love of the game that could keep him playing.