Peyton Manning: Why 4-Time MVP Will Be More Motivated Than Ever in 2012

Peyton Manning had a tough 2011. The Colts' quarterback underwent multiple neck surgeries, saw his streak of 227 consecutive starts end and watched his Colts put together a dismal 2-14 season.

On top of that, the Colts secured the No. 1 pick in the draft, which they plan to spend on Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. This has led to much trade speculation involving Manning, and the gutting of the front office has caused much uncertainty about his future as a Colt.

Despite all of this, or perhaps because of it, Manning will be more motivated than ever in 2012. Read on to see why.

Hold off Andrew Luck

It has been well-documented that the Colts plan to spend the No. 1 pick in the draft on Andrew Luck. As the most NFL-ready prospect to come out of college since John Elway, it's a can't-miss opportunity for the Colts to replace their aging QB.

If Manning stays with the Colts for 2012 and more, he will be expected to mentor and coach Luck—essentially develop his replacement. But he will also be the starter and will have to hold off Luck and the hype surrounding him.  Although unlikely, Colts fans may call for the rookie phenom if Manning doesn't begin the season with the same kind of success he has had in the past.

Manning hasn't had a backup that could legitimately challenge him for his job in a long time. Having Luck lurking around the corner could give Manning just the kind of motivation he needs to have a career year.

Lead New Team to Victory

In light of the recent feud between Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay, it's becoming more and more likely that Manning will not be with the Colts any longer. Irsay can release Manning before March and avoid paying a $28 million bonus, and with the current tension between the two, that looks like the probable outcome.

If Manning is released, he can retire or sign as a free agent with a new team. Or he can pull a Brett Favre and do both. Multiple times.

Manning is very competitive and would relish an opportunity to beat up on a team that released him. He would also be very motivated to respond to the high expectations he would have coming into a new market.

Add to that the sudden need to prove himself again, and we're looking at a great quarterback with a chip on his shoulder. That could be very scary for the rest of the NFL.

Respond to the Success of Eli

All of a sudden, Eli Manning isn't the poor little brother standing in the shadow of his older sibling. Eli is the hottest quarterback in the NFL right now. His efforts have earned him a spot in his second Super Bowl—and a chance to double the number of rings Peyton has.

It's well-known that Peyton is Eli's biggest fan, but that doesn't mean he isn't still extremely competitive with him. With the clock ticking on his career as a quarterback, Peyton will need to add a second Super Bowl ring in a hurry if he wants to remain the top Manning.

Whether he is playing for the Colts or another team, Eli's recent success will give Peyton even more motivation going into 2012.

Respond to the Success of Tom Brady

Yet another quarterback Peyton Manning has to deal with is the Patriots' Tom Brady.

The debate has raged on for years about whether Manning or Brady is the better quarterback. For Manning. the argument has always been his complete control of the game and eye-popping statistics. For Brady, it's his three-to-one Super Bowl championship advantage. If Brady makes it four-to-one this year, it's difficult to argue that Manning has had a more successful career.

But if Manning can counter with another ring of his own, the debate will reopen. Brady would still have five Super Bowl appearances to Manning's three and possibly twice as many rings, but Manning has had the upper hand on head-to-head matchups lately.

None of these arguments will be necessary, though, if Manning can't win XLVII next year. Look for him to do everything he can to make it happen.

Prove Doubters Wrong

Peyton Manning hasn't had to deal with doubters for much of his career. He was a No. 1 overall pick and immediate starter. Expectations have always been high for him.

All of that changes, though, following his year off. All of a sudden Manning has to answer questions about whether he can play at the same level following such a serious surgery. Lots of people doubt as to whether he can play at all and think he should just retire.

Expect Manning to respond to those doubters with outstanding play. The strongest part of his game—his mental command of offense—hasn't lost any strength during his rehab stint. Although his physical ability may be limited, nobody doubts that Manning will work as hard as he can to restore the strength he once had.

Manning will work harder than he ever has before to remain at the top of the game. An MVP award, Comeback Player of the Year award and Super Bowl ring aren't out of the question. Manning will be 36 years old when the 2012 season kicks off, and he will be more motivated than ever.