Peyton Manning has reportedly been training back at his home in New Orleans, and the 38-year-old is not preparing to play in a flag football league next season.
According to Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune, Manning will soon begin working with renowned fitness trainer Mackie Shilstone in preparation for the 2015 season. Shilstone specializes in career extension and has worked with star athletes like Ozzie Smith, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. During his Baseball Hall of Fame induction speech, Smith credited Shilstone for adding 11 years to his career.
The Denver Broncos have until March 9 to exercise their rights on veteran players under contract, so they have asked Manning to let them know his intentions by then. Various reports have already indicated that Manning will return to Denver next season as long as he passes his yearly physical. He is set to earn $19 million next season.
At this point, it would be a surprise if Manning doesn’t return for an 18th season. He threw for 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns last season, so it’s not as if Peyton has completely fallen off. Manning reportedly played through a significant injury down the stretch, so that could explain his poor performance in the playoffs. We’re all hoping he comes back.
