Colts owner Jim Irsay, who has spoken excitedly about the prospects of potential number one overall draft pick Andrew Luck, said this week that if Peyton Manning is healthy, he will be back with the team next season.
“If the situation is where he’s back and healthy,” Irsay told Rich Eisen, “I see him come back and playing here.”
Although Irsay didn’t totally shy away from questions about the NFL Draft, he did come down with his strongest support of Manning in recent weeks.
“I think there’s a lot of speculation about the draft pick and all those sorts of things,” Irsay said. “I think what people have to realize is this: The likes of Peyton Manning to be seen again is not coming, if ever, for a very long time. You’re not going to go in this draft — or the next draft — and get a Peyton Manning.”
That’s a solid vote of respect that Manning deserves to hear for everything he has done for this francise. The fact that they are 8 wins behind where they were last season gives a strong indication of the value that Manning has as a starter in Indy.
