Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian believes Peyton Manning has what it takes to be a success as an NFL executive.
Polian, who drafted Manning and was the GM for his entire Colts career, believes that the quarterback could transition to a front office role successfully immediately, if he wanted to.
“I believe he could very quickly fill the role that John Elway fills with the Broncos,” Polian told SiriusXM NFL Radio, via Chris Vannini of CoachingSearch.com. “The reason I say that is, during our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he’d seen, players he’d seen in other parts of the country. He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC.
“He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He’s more than prepared to do that job.”
Manning is widely expected to retire after winning his second Super Bowl. More than one team would reportedly be interested in securing his services if he did want to go into management, though there has been no indication thus far that Manning would be interested immediately after retiring. If he is, though, he has the endorsement of one of the most highly respected NFL executives of the past two decades.
