Peyton Manning, Colts to Part Ways

Big announcement planned for tomorrow: ESPN
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 6, 2012 7:11 PM CST
Peyton Manning, Colts to Part Ways
In this Jan. 16, 2010, photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning waves as he walks off the field after the NFL divisional football playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens in Indianapolis.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

Big, long-expected news out of Indianapolis: ESPN reports that Peyton Manning and the Colts will announce at a news conference tomorrow that the football star and team are parting ways after 14 years. Manning is owed a $28 million roster bonus on Thursday; but the Colts hold the top draft pick, and, as AP notes, they apparently concluded it was too risky and pricey to pick up the four years left on his contract. That means Manning will become a free agent, and sources say he plans to keep playing.

The Colts have until 4pm ET on Thursday to officially release him, at which time he can immediately sign up with another team. Manning got the medical OK to resume his career, after sitting out all of the 2011 season following his third neck surgery in September. ESPN notes that Manning has been spotted at Duke University over the last week, where he has apparently been participating in aggressive throwing sessions. (More Peyton Manning stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X