In his most extensive comments since he was sidelined by his second neck surgery of the year, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning acknowledged that he felt deep frustration when he first realized he would have to miss a game for the first time in his NFL career. But Manning said he’s over that now.
“I walked around for a while angry, in a bad mood. . . . ‘Woe is me,’” Manning told the Indianapolis Star. “I’ve gotten over that. It doesn’t do any good. I’m learning to deal with it and trying to have a good attitude. I’m not walking around looking for any pity party.”
What Manning is looking for right now is to go through his rehabilitation and be there to help Colts quarterback Kerry Collins.
“I want to be a resource. I want to help,” Manning said. “You figure out the best way you can help and not overload Kerry with information. You give ideas.”
Manning said he has no idea whether he’ll play this year or whether the Colts will end his season by putting him on injured reserve.
“I’ve told Bill [Polian, the Colts’ vice chairman] he has to deal with the roster,” Manning said. “If the season goes like it did last year, who knows? My obligation is to get healthy and help the team. What I’m learning about my injury is there is some unknowns. Such a large part of it is out of my hands.”
Manning has no timetable to return and just wants to get his long-term health straightened out.
“I’m off the clock as far as that goes,” Manning said. “I’m just trying to follow the doctors’ orders and get healthy.”