Colts, Peyton Manning had ‘serious discussions’ for executive role

The Indianapolis Colts have done a fine job constructing a roster with Chris Ballard as the general manager, but legendary quarterback Peyton Manning was in consideration for the running.

Colts owner Jim Irsay, while at the NFL owners meetings in Arizona, said Tuesday that he and Manning had “serious discussions” pertaining to a high executive role such as President or general manager before they hired Ballard.

Irsay says he had “serious” discussions with Peyton Manning prior to the hiring of Chris Ballard and “there was definitely some interest on both sides” for a possible “President/GM” type role with the Colts, but he ultimately continued to focus on retired life with family.

— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) March 26, 2019

However, Manning told Irsay at the time that he wasn’t ready for that type of role just yet.

Manning, Irsay said, expressed, “I’m just not ready yet” for that type of role. Wants to be all-in or nothing. Irsay said Ballard has since expressed desire for Manning to be with the team in future if he ever decides to go down that route.

— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) March 26, 2019

Whether it be in the booth as a color analyst for primetime games, doing commercials for various companies or even running football teams, Manning continues to be a hot commodity.

It seems Ballard and the front office would welcome Manning into a high executive role in the future should the latter be interested in working for the team.

The Colts have done alright with Ballard leading the charge as they reached the AFC divisional round in just his second season as general manager. They are now viewed as the favorites in the division following a strong 2018 season.

It remains to be seen if Manning will be joining the ranks of the Colts front office any time soon, but there was certainly interest from the latter before the hiring process began in 2017.