Peyton Manning is a wanted man these days. Between being sought after as a commercial pitch man or a potential “Monday Night Football” announcer, the five-time MVP will have some sort of notable post-playing career.
Now comes the latest rumor: Could he be the next New York Jets general manager?
After Jets CEO and chairman Christopher Johnson announced the firing of GM Mike Maccagnan on Wednesday, NBC Sports’ Mike Florio reported that league sources believe the Jets will key in on Manning.
With no front office experience, Manning would not be a traditional hire, but that seems to fit Johnson’s MO this hiring cycle.
“It’s more than a talent evaluation guy,” Johnson said on a conference call Wednesday. “I want a great strategic thinker. A great manager. A communicator. Someone who can collaborate well with the building. And I’m convinced we’re going to find that person.”
The connection between Manning and the Jets goes back well beyond the current ownership group, which took over in 2000. As Florio pointed out, there was a rumor that Manning would have left Tennessee a year early if the Jets promised to select him first overall in 1997. However, the potential marriage did not work out, and the Jets even traded out of the first overall pick. One year later, Manning went No. 1 to the Indianapolis Colts, and the rest is history. [Reply]
Originally Posted by jjchieffan:
Interesting that he wanted to go to the Jets and they traded away the pick instead. That would have been interesting, having him in the same division as Brady.
:-) He WAS in the same division as Brady. For two years. In 2002, the Houston Texans came into the league, creating the current 32 team league as we know it.
When that happened, they realigned the NFL into eight four team divisions. As part of that, the Colts moved from the AFC East to the AFC South. In 2000 and 2001, Brady and Manning were both in the AFCE, though Brady didn't start until the third game of the 2001 season. For the record, the Pats swept the Colts that year, and in fact beating Manning's Colts were the team they played in Brady's first game ever, and resulted in Brady's first win as a starter. [Reply]
I'm still guessing Manning will end up on MNF. MNF has been ruined by ESPN and needs a boost, and they see how successful Tony Romo's move to broadcasting has been. Manning is seen as a likable person with a great football mind outside of CP, so it would probably work.
He could also make more in broadcasting than he would as a GM while doing much less work. [Reply]
Originally Posted by raidersnumber1:
wow seeing how desperate teams are for a decent GM and others with incompetent or flawed GMs (ie Veach, Elway etc), I am very glad that Raiders landed a stud in MayGOAT.
To be equitable and pragmatic, Veach hasn't been a GM long enough to codify a sufficient position on the matter. Once his employment has been protracted, a reasonable supposition shall be formulated.
Until then, I advise you to shut your pie hole. [Reply]
