Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in action during the second quarter of an NFL AFC wild card football playoff game between the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis on Jan. 8. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)In 1999, Peyton Manning showed the Indianapolis Colts why they didn’t need to waste an early-round draft choice on a quarterback for a long, long time.
The former University of Tennessee standout threw for 4,135 yards and 26 touchdowns during his second season in the NFL, and he led the Colts to a 13-3 record. Manning since has steered the Colts to the Super Bowl XLI championship and a current streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances, but he turned 35 last month.
Nobody is doubting Manning’s ability to lead Indianapolis to additional success, but when does the organization start seeking his successor?
“It is a tough call,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. “The first thing you have to do is make sure everyone in the organization is on board with what you’re doing and has a complete understanding of what the plan is. Don’t catch anyone by surprise, and make sure you have Peyton Manning’s stamp of approval, as strange as that may sound.
“Make sure he knows what you’re trying to do and that you’re not saying in the next year or two that he’s going to be the guy, but maybe three or four years down the road or whenever your career is wrapped up.”