Peyton Manning had a 4th neck surgery

Sports Illustrated's Don Banks has learned from sources that QB Peyton Manning actually underwent 4 neck surgeries in a 19-month span.  It was originally believed to be 3.  The new procedure reportedly took place sometime between the May 23rd and September 9th operations, while the NFL was still in its lockout.

Banks also reports that the Colts believe Manning will eventually need to go under the knife again to remove bone spurs that have developed in his neck.  There's also concern that there is a "genetic aspect" to Manning's condition.  Peyton's older brother Cooper's football career ended when he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.  Peyton, along with the team that signs him, will be facing some risk when one of the greatest quarterbacks re-enters the game. Colts owner Jim Irsay says that he’s willing to keep Manning in Indianapolis if he’ll agree to a restructured contract. "We want him back,” Irsay said in what feels like a PR move to deflect the blame towards Manning for the impending divorce. “We can work out the contract if he wants to work it out. It’s going to be Peyton’s call. I want him to be able to make the choice. We would love to have him back here if he can get healthy and we can look at doing a contract that reflects the uncertainty of the… healing process with the regeneration of the nerve.” Manning and Irsay are expected to meet within the next week, and it sounds like the Colts will ask their future Hall-of-Famer to take a massive pay cut. Beyond the $28 million bonus, Manning is due $35.6 million over the next 4 seasons. The most likely scenario remains that the Colts opt against paying Manning the bonus, and that Manning ends up donning a new uniform in 2012.