Peyton Manning failed to lead the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl this year, and football fans might not see him playing in the biggest football stage again as the veteran quarterback is still unsure about returning next season.
After receiving the Bart Starr Award at the annual Super Bowl breakfast on Friday, Manning revealed that he has yet to make a decision about his future despite growing calls from fans to play for another season, but added that he has already talked to new Broncos coach Gary Kubiak about the team's vision following the coaching staff shakeup.
"I still want to take some time to evaluate some things, to talk to some people," Manning told reporters when asked whether or not he will return to play next season. "Obviously the Broncos have been quite busy hiring a staff, I have had some dialogue with Coach Kubiak and did have a chance to see him in person."
Following their 24-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the American Football Conference divisional round, the Broncos decided to part ways with John Fox, fueling speculation that the decision to sack Fox might convince Manning to retire. When asked about such reports, the 38-year-old quarterback declined to comment, saying that he is considering several factors.
"I guess some of those things are personal, some things I want to discuss with them," Manning added. "There's been quite a lot of change since the last game and I want to hear what they have to say, get their thoughts on some things, share some of thoughts of my own with them and get their feedback."
Manning, who completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 4,727 yards with 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last season, said in December that he is determined to continue playing next season.
However, after losing to the Colts and struggling late in the regular season, Manning revealed that there is no guarantee that he will be back to Denver next season.
Manning, whose $19 million contract will be fully guaranteed if he is still on their roster on March 9, said that he will decide to retire if he feels his body cannot take the physicality of the game anymore, but also added that he will return only if he the team still wants him to continue playing.
