Indianapolis Colts Rumors: Peyton Manning Must Follow the Footsteps of NHL Star

Amidst all of the debate on whether the Indianapolis Colts should draft Andrew Luck or keep Peyton Manning, people forget…what if Manning isn’t healthy in time for the 2012 season?

Manning has had three neck surgeries in the last 19 months. One of those surgeries was of the spinal fusion variety, something that is incredibly delicate with a long recovery time. The nerves have to regenerate naturally and there is no doctor in the world that can magically make them grow back. It’s a process with no timetable and it’s incredibly frustrating for the future Hall of Famer.

Will he rush back too soon?

Manning just endured an entire season of watching his Colts’ get smashed on a weekly basis. You could tell how badly he wanted back in. Would he come back in 2012 even if the nerves haven’t fully regenerated? With his competitiveness I’d think so.

But maybe Manning should take notice of what NHL star Sidney Crosby is currently going through.

Arguably the greatest hockey talent in the world, Crosby has been dealing with severe concussion-like symptoms for over a year. When he came back on the ice and suffered another setback, he didn’t rush back.

He hasn’t played since December 5th with dizzy-like symptoms that affect his balance. Another sharp blow to the head and Crosby might never be the same person, let alone player again. Crosby is aware of this and is in no rush to come back. He realizes that life after sports is the majority of his time left on earth and ensuring long-term health is the priority.

Manning must realize that all it takes is one crushing hit to his neck and he could potentially never have full movement in it ever again. He could even be paralyzed.

Sure there is pressure from the fans to come back, and of course Manning wants to prove he can still play at a high level.

But is it worth it? Is it worth it to risk comfort for the rest of your life in order to get two or three more cracks at winning a Super Bowl?

Crosby doesn’t think so, and I think Manning needs to have a talk with him to gain a perspective on how sports are merely nothing more than a game.

Good health trumps all.