Peyton Manning is one of the most sought-after commodities in sports broadcasting. The former Indianapolis Colts' quarterback, however, has chosen to stay away from the broadcasting booth—for now. With his love for the game, plus the big money and spotlight of a prime gig, don't be shocked if Peyton makes his way to the booth eventually.
In March, it was reported that Peyton turned down an offer to be FOX's new Thursday night color analyst. He probably could have had any role he wanted, so many wondered why Peyton elected not to join a broadcasting team for this coming season. A new report indicates Eli, Peyton's younger brother, may have played a role.
According to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, Peyton made it clear that he did not want to call Eli's games. FOX even considered trying to work out the NFL schedule such that the Giants would not play on Thursday night.
"Fox potentially would have had the logistical power to ask the NFL to make it happen because it could, in theory, keep its Giant games on its NFC-heavy Sunday package," Marchand reports.
Needless to say, that's no longer necessary. Marchand, however, reports that calling Eli's games wasn't a deal-breaker per se—it was just "part of the process."
Peyton is also reportedly considering going the front-office route and working in football operations rather than broadcasting.
"His top desire for his future, according to TV sources who have spoken with him, remains running a team, like the Broncos' John Elway does, or being a part-owner like Derek Jeter is with baseball's Marlins," Marchand reports.
Earlier this week, Peyton provided a little more context about why he didn't take a broadcasting role at this juncture.
“I don’t want to be a critic at this point,” Peyton Manning says, saying it doesn’t feel right to become a broadcaster. Also says he enjoys just being a “fan.”
“I still do too many commercials.”#RestaurantLeadership
A two-time Super Bowl champ, Peyton won five MVPs in his storied career.
