Peyton Manning's NFL-playing future beyond this record-breaking season will be determined based on the results of an offseason exam performed on his already surgically-repaired neck, according to ESPN.
As mandated by the terms of his Denver Broncos contract, the 37-year-old Manning will undergo the procedure sometime in March and make his determination on his career soon thereafter.
ESPN adds if the exam reveals his neck remains stable enough, Manning plans to return to the Broncos in 2014, regardless of how Denver fares this postseason. Any observation short of that, and the four-time league MVP will be faced with deciding if he should retire or continue playing.
Manning raised huge speculation about his future this past week when he told ESPN "the light is at the end of the tunnel for me, no question." Manning made his comments in the midst of his Broncos preparing for their AFC divisional playoff game against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday.
In leading Denver to a 13-3, regular-season finish, Manning passed for 5,477 yards and a staggering 55 touchdowns. It marked yet another step in a remarkable recovery by Manning, who underwent fusion surgery on his neck that weakened his throwing arm. Subsequently, he missed the entire 2011 season and was later released by the Indianapolis Colts before settling on the Broncos and inking a five-year, $96 million deal in 2012.
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