ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that the Indianapolis Colts WILL part ways with quarterback Peyton Manning. The news will be official in a press conference tomorrow with both Manning and owner Jim Irsay there.
Manning spent 14 years with the Colts, throwing for nearly 55,000 yards, 399 touchdowns, and a 94.9 rating. He was elected to the Pro Bowl eleven times, along with bringing a Super Bowl championship back in 2007.
They have until 4 PM on Thursday to make the release for good.
The four-time MVP missed all of last season due to a severe neck injury, which required several surgeries. He's currently getting back into football shape, and seen from recent videos of him throwing at practice, he looks to be back to be playing on the football field by the time the new regular season starts.
The Colts had to release Manning, as Andrew Luck is deemed to be the future of the team now at quarterback. With Manning's age (36) and his large contract, the Colts had to get rid of him. It was going to come sooner or later.
As a Colts fan, I am truly sad to hear this. All this time, I've been trying to defend Manning and keep him here, but what has to be done has to be done. It's business.
As for No. 18, who knows where he will go? Teams like the Jets, Texans, Titans, Redskins, and several others seem very interested and look to grab him. Once he officially hits the market, he will probably be the biggest free agent in NFL history.
This is a sad farewell to unarguably the best Colt ever. Thank you for all that you have done, Peyton Williams Manning.
Josh has been writing since January 2009 and has founded the websites FootBasket, Hardcourt Mayhem, Gridiron Mayhem, and Staring Down Spike. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani
