Jim Irsay says health will determine future of QB Peyton Manning with Indianapolis Colts – NFL News
Indianapolis Colts’ owner, Jim Irsay, has played down the reports suggesting that money could possibly the basis of his decision on the future of Colts’ quarterback, Peyton Manning, with the side.
The owner said that it will be the health of the player that will matter the most in their decision regarding the return of the player and his chances of playing for Colts in the coming seasons.
"I think fans already understand that," Irsay said.
"This isn't an ankle, it isn't a shoulder. Often times the NFL is criticized for putting someone out there at risk, and I'm not going to doing that. I think he and I just need to see where his health is because this isn't about money or anything else. It's
about his life and his long-term health."
Irsay was speaking to mediamen, following the introduction of his new head coach, Chuck Pagano.
Pagano, the former defensive co-ordinator at the Baltimore Ravens, has replaced Colts’ coach, Jim Caldwell, who was fired by team’s owner a week ago.
Peyton Manning signed a five-year deal worth $90 million with Colts. He is due a bonus of $28 million by March 08, 2012, under the contract.
Reports in some sections of media had earlier suggested that the team might cut the player loose from his contract, and the expected saving from his departure might be used to sign other players off free agency.
Colts’ former vice chairman, Bill Polian, had earlier rejected the notion that their keeping of Manning along with prospective draft quarterback recruitment at the roster might affect Colts’ financial standing.
He said that the team could financially afford to have both players at their pay roster at the same time.
With him gone, it has been uncertain until recently whether Colts will have Manning back, if they decide to recruit the new draft pick.
Irsay has now attempted to clear the situation around the issue, saying that the player’s health will be the key factor in their decision on the future of the quarterback.
"It's a very simple issue, it's a health issue," Irsay said.
It is one of the rare statements that Irsay has made, apparently in favour of the player. This comes amid an atmosphere of tension between the two parties.
Peyton while reflecting on the Irsay’s decision of firing all his managers and coaching staff, including the head coach, called the environment bad at Colts.
The owner strongly reacted to his remarks and said that the player should have been discussing all issues within the house, rather than playing as a politician.
He said that the decision of parting ways with all his former officials had come very hard on all members of Colts.
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