Jim Irsay says short-term & long-term aspects to determine QB Peyton Manning return to Indianapolis Colts – NFL News
The prevalent uncertainty around recovery and return of quarterback, Peyton Manning, to Indianapolis Colts, is set to continue in coming days as a result of the recent statement from team’s owner, Jim Irsay, who called the neck surgery of the player unique
in the football community and history and said that there was a short-term and a long-term aspect to determine his health and fitness for playing competitive football.
Irsay’s latest remarks come after his earlier disclosure that he would have a meeting with the QB in a week time to discuss his future at Colts, and both parties could possibly agree, at the meeting, to an extension in the deadline of March 08, 2012, for
the payment of $28 million optional bonus to him.
As of latest, Irsay said that there were two-phase assessment of the player’s health and his chances of playing football again, especially in the uncomfortable weather and environment of the Indianapolis and high pressure games.
"It's two-phased. There's the medical aspect, as to whether he can play at a really high level and that's the only place he wants to be. Can he drill it in Foxborough in 10 degrees, 50 yards, that sort of thing," Irsay said. "The second issue has always
been his health and the risks of going back onto the field. When the Super Bowl ends, he and I will continue to talk about it."
He added:
"The thing that gets overlooked in situations like this, is that there's never been an NFL quarterback that has had this type of injury. It's never happened before.”
Irsay’s latest stance might not be well pleasing for the player, who has a strong desire to stage a comeback and play for Colts for more seasons to come, and has repetitively said that he felt good about his health and worked hard on his recovery.
He also has been backed by his family members, his fans and football commentators for playing again for his team, and this apparently was believed to be on Colts agenda until his employers’ recent remarks hinting at the other possibilities.
The QB had a neck surgery in September 2011, which was his third in last 19 months, and is in recovery phase since then. He has missed the entire 2011 National Football League (NFL) regular season and all games of the postseason.
Inspite of his injury, he remained and is still hopeful of playing football and especially for his team again, amid all the uncertainty and controversy surrounding his chances of being able to do so.
The twists and turns around the issue have turned out to be leading to a sort of strife in the relationship between him and his employer, Jim Irsay. The debate has heightened since sacking of all the managers and coaches, who the player has worked with,
by Irsay.
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