Peyton Manning News 2014: The Broncos QB missed the 2011 season after neck surgical procedure. To make sure all is still safe and sound for Manning, he's had annual exams with doctors.
According to ESPN, Manning passed the required exit physical given to all of the team's players in the days after the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks as the players adjourned for the offseason. Monday's exam is part of his contract and the Broncos expect to hear Manning is ready to go for the 2014 season. Manning said during Super Bowl week that his target was to play in the 2014 season, but team officials have regularly said the scheduled exam was the last formality remaining. Manning has had four neck surgeries, including a spinal fusion that kept him out of the 2011 season, but has had no significant or unexpected issues with his neck as a result of playing this past season.
Yahoo Sports reported that the Broncos QB signed a five-year deal worth $96 million in 2012. Manning passed an exam last year which actuated $20 million guaranteed in 2013. If he passes Monday's exam, it will boost in another $20 million in guarantees.
Manning had 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns during the regular season. Both were single-season passing records. Denver also set an NFL single-season scoring record with 606 points.
According to ESPN, the medical exams were built into the contract when Manning signed a contract for Broncos in March of 2012. In the deal his $20 million salaries in both 2013 and 2014 were definite, but 2014 could be voided if Manning had injured his neck this past season.
Quoted from the report, "Last year the Broncos also purchased an insurance policy, as a business precaution, that covered any non-neck injuries that would prevent him from playing in 2014, because his contract would still be in place in that scenario. Manning did deal with ankle injuries this season and the Broncos cut his practice time -- having him sit out Wednesdays -- for a time before the postseason began, but by the time the playoffs rolled around, Manning had returned to his participation level before he had suffered the ankle injuries. He did wear a brace on his right ankle for much of the year, but started 16 games in a season for the 15th time in his career."
"Manning is signed through the 2016 season and said before the Super Bowl that he's had no thoughts about retirement," NBC Sports reported.
