Two days after winning his second Super Bowl and first with the Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning signed a 3 year $48 million contract with his current team. “They are getting a good deal,” said Manning. “I just won the Super Bowl, of course I can still play.”
Manning, who turns 40 in March, had his worst season since his rookie year but was backed by his best defense when they beat the Carolina Panthers 24 to 10.
“Brady is only a year younger than me and no one expects him to retire. Brett Favre played until he was forty-four. I know I have three good years in this arm with proper preparation,” said Manning after enjoying his parade at Disneyland. “As long as my neck feels fine, I’m fine. I admit, this was an off year for me, but those mistakes were mental, not physical. I have some of the best doctors in the world who will make sure I’m as healthy as can be.”
Bronco’s General Manager John Elway told the Denver Post, “We feel comfortable with the deal. With our defense, we can win the next three Super Bowls with Peyton at the helm of the offense.
“Manning is a very honest guy and he told me he can go, so we are going to let him.
“It was important to lock this deal up first so we can focus on what other pieces the team will need. A football GM’s job never stops.”
Of the $48 million, $32 million is guaranteed so only $6 million per year will go against the team’s salary cap. The deal was done via text while Manning rode in the Disneyland parade; that shows how much trust the two have in each other.
Manning joked, “My diet of Papa John’s and Budweiser will keep me going strong.”
