Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning took his time this offseason before deciding to return to the Broncos for a fourth season, which didn’t do much to quell speculation that he’s closing in on the end of his playing days.
When he reached a deal with the Broncos to return, Manning gave no indication that he plans on 2015 being his final NFL season and he continued on that line Tuesday while speaking to the media on the first day of the team’s three-day minicamp.
Manning said that he doesn’t view this season as his “farewell tour” and that he feels like he’s a “young 39" as he prepares for his 18th NFL season. He also said that he’s feeling good physically and that he feels like he’ll do well with what coach Gary Kubiak wants to do on offense this season.
“I like to think I’m pretty versatile, believe it or not,” Manning said, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post.
Manning didn’t look like a particularly young 38 as last season came to a close, but the change in coaches and personnel in Denver this offseason may provide a burst of energy to the offense that was missing down the stretch last season. Whether it will be there in the final weeks of next season is harder to answer even with Manning’s confidence about the future.