Peyton Manning Reportedly Fine with Colts Drafting a Quarterback
Indianapolis Colts fans are well on their way to accomplishing their goal for the 2011 season. The goal itself may have changed rapidly over the course of the offseason, but Indy has done a great job of conquering it. With only six games remaining in the season, the Colts have a stranglehold on last place in the NFL. They have a two-and-a-half game deficit behind lead over the Rams, Vikings, and Panthers for last. They are the clear-cut favorites in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, which should make their custom-jersey wearing fans proud.
According to Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian, Peyton Manning would be fine with Indy taking a quarterback with the first overall pick in next year’s draft.
“The bottom line is that if the right person is there, and it has to be the right person, then now is the time to make that choice,” Polian said WFNI-AM 1070 according to the Indianapolis Star. “Peyton and I have spoken about that, and he’s OK with that.”
As you may remember, a few weeks ago Phil Simms decided to operate under the assumption that a healthy Manning would never allow the Colts to draft his successor. Manning was understandably offended by Simms essentially calling him a baby, but the question is do you believe that it wouldn’t bother him? One of the toughest things for a superstar athlete to come to grips with is the fact that his glory days may be behind him. In his mind, I’m sure Peyton feels like he has another five years of MVP-caliber football left in him. Physically, there are many who wonder if he will ever play again. If the Colts draft Luck and Manning plays next season, we will then get a chance to see how well he plays the role of mentor.
