Manning's Physical Goes as Expected - Cleared to Play

Person with knowledge says Broncos QB Peyton Manning passes physical, set to return in 2014

Published March 03, 2014

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, COLO. –  A person with knowledge of the results tells The Associated Press that Peyton Manning has passed his physical on his surgically repaired neck, clearing the way for him to play in 2014.In what was considered the final formality for his return, Manning passed the exam as required by his contract that will pay him $20 million next season, according to the
person who spoke on condition of anonymity because results of medical checkups typically aren't announced. Manning won his fifth MVP award in 2013, when he set single-season records by passing for 5,547 yards and 55 TDs while guiding the Broncos to their first Super Bowl in 15 seasons.Manning has had four neck operations, including a spinal fusion that sidelined him for all of the 2011 season. After that, he was released by Indianapolis and signed a five-year, $96 million deal with the Broncos in March of 2012. The deal requires him to pass a physical every spring to make sure his neck is holding up.

Manning, who will be 38 next season, said during Super Bowl week that he had no intention of retiring after the Super Bowl.

Although Manning's plans for 2014 became a big story line in the playoffs, the Broncos front office had proceeded as though their quarterback would be returning for another run at a title. If there were any concerns about his neck, he probably wouldn't have started all 16 games, plus three more in the playoffs.

Not only is Manning still performing at his peak level, he hasn't lost his love for the game.

Manning said upon his arrival in New Jersey for Super Bowl week that he still enjoys playing and practicing and "when you still enjoy the preparation, I think you probably still ought to be doing that."

He passed his required exit physical that all players take in the days following the Super Bowl loss to Seattle. He then played in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament just days later, another indication that his neck is fine.

Manning has gone 28-7 in his two seasons in Denver with 100 TD passes, counting playoff games.

___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org

___Follow AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton

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The biggest formality of the NFL's offseason has come and gone.

Peyton Manning has been fully cleared following Monday's exit physical, a Broncos source tells NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. The annual checkup is mandated as part of the quarterback's five-year, $96 million contract signed in 2012.

Manning's clearance was first reported by Mike Klis of the Denver Post.

There was never any reason to believe Manning wouldn't pass the exam with flying colors. If there was any instability in his surgically repaired neck, he wouldn't have been cleared to play 19 games, including Super Bowl XLVIII just a month ago.

Manning revealed during the week leading up to the Super Bowl that he's felt as good coming off surgery as he ever has.

Now that the most overblown story of the offseason is out of the way, Manning's $20 million salary becomes guaranteed for 2014.

After setting a slew of single-season records last season, Manning will take aim at Brett Favre's career touchdowns record. He needs 18 more to stand alone at the top of the quarterback mountain.

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