Last week, conflicting reports and accounts emerged regarding the question of whether Colts quarterback Peyton Manning may continue medically playing quarterback for the Colts, or for another team.
Peyton’s brother, Eli, has chimed in during a Monday night appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.
“Everything’s good to go,” Eli said, via the New York Daily News. “He got a good report from his doctor, said, ‘Hey, you know, if you were my own son, I’d give you the okay to play,’ and so he’ll be ready. He’s healthy, now it’s just about getting to 100 percent where he can physically make all the throws.
“He’s doing well. He’s rehabbing. He was in good spirits all weekend, got to be with him a little bit, and, you know, he’s just trying to get 100 percent. He wants to play football – and I think he will.”
And so Eli’s comments confirm the educated view of the situation: Yes, Peyton is healthy enough to play; and, no, he has not yet recovered his full arm strength via the regeneration of nerves that were damaged due to his neck injury.
Eli also cracked a few jokes, explaining that he was in bed by 10:30 p.m. ET in order to get ready for Monday’s trip to Disney World followed by a return to New York. “I had a big morning,” Eli said. “I had to get ready for this, so I had to get my full sleep. I’ve been preparing and practicing for this. Peyton was playing you.”
Letterman also asked Eli if he remembers being told he’s the host’s favorite Manning. “Yep, many times, many times,” Eli said. “I get a Christmas gift from you every year. It’s a jacket. I don’t think Peyton gets that. . . . That’s how I knew I was the favorite.”
With his performance in the 2011 season, the postseason, and Super Bowl XLVI, Eli is surely the favorite right now in the eyes of a growing number of football fans.