Peyton Manning: 4 Things Manning Could Do After the NFL

Peyton Manning has a plethora of things he could succeed in after he fails in his attempt to return to NFL caliber football in 2012.

After 36 years and four neck surgeries, Peyton Manning has almost reached that dreaded precipice that every NFL player inevitably arrives at. 

What can never be diminished is the titanic legacy that he has built over a legendary 14-year career.  If Peyton retired today, he [at the very least] could hang his hat on the fact that he is the most lauded player in the history of the Indianapolis Colts. 

Still, with all the attention focused solely on the March 8th roster bonus deadline and what will transpire after that, there's been very little chatter about Manning's future after football.

While we look forward to seeing him muster a comeback attempt in 2012, here are four things that Peyton Manning would excel at doing after he hangs up his pads for the final time. 

NFL Analyst

Over the last 15-20 years, it's almost become protocol for retiring NFL players to join network coverage teams. 

No doubt we've all seen Peyton Manning on television at some point or another, and there's no reason he wouldn't absolutely excel as an on-air personality.

It's an almost fraternal setting with the likes of Deion Sanders, Warren Sapp, Trent Dilfer, Michael Strahan and Michael Irvin spending hours talking shop around a neon-infused desk. 

The quality of conversation and input isn't always what you'd hope it would be and someone with the wit and football knowledge of Peyton Manning could certainly help elevate those instances of canned humor and meandering. 

Plus, I would much rather hear Peyton Manning give his weekly predictions than Frank Caliendo. 

There's no doubt we'll see Peyton Manning end up behind a desk with a mic in his hand at various points after his football days are numbered, and it's something I wouldn't mind one bit. 

Offensive Coordinator

There should be no doubt that Peyton Manning's football IQ is one of the highest in NFL history.

As feared as he was for his arm strength and being able to laser-beam passes with uncanny precision, Peyton's ability to run an offense and dissect the game might have been his greatest asset. 

That said, Indianapolis' 2-14 record in 2011-2012 was far more a reflection of the Colts' lack of on-field talent than it was Peyton's ineptitude to contribute in an X's and O's capacity from the sideline.

Manning will also be able to relate to players here in the modern era of the NFL. In a league that is becoming more and more a passer's dream, you can't put a price on having one of the most elite passers in the game's history putting together your offensive game plan. 

With his competitive edge and knowledge of the game, there's no telling how effective he'd be as an architect of explosive, high-flying offenses. 

Quarterbacks' Coach

In terms of Peyton's progression through the NFL coaching ranks, quarterbacks' coach should be Peyton's first stop. 

Being on O.C. can be a pretty daunting task, even if you happen to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in the game's history.  That's not to say that Manning couldn't capably handle reins of an entire offense, but he could initially benefit from some time focusing on coaching a single position just to get a feel for what it's like to coach in the NFL.

Based on his playing resume alone, Peyton Manning could be quickly sought after as one of the league's most premier quarterback coaches. 

Imagine a team like the Rams, Redskins or, yes, the Colts, who might need help developing a budding star quarterback, and imagine how much Peyton Manning could speed up that development process.

Everything from throwing mechanics, to foot work, to reading zone defenses and stepping up in the pocket—Manning is a walking encyclopedia of the finer points of the quarterback position and could prove a valuable asset to any franchise looking to quickly bring along a young gun-slinger. 

General Manager

As good as Peyton would be coaching, I'm almost certain he would be equally as effective in a front-office role. 

GM's tend to wear a lot of hats. They're talent evaluators, they put out fires in the media, they make the big personnel decisions and have to work diligently with owners, coaches and players alike.  

Peyton Manning has personality as well as enthusiasm.  He's amicable and seems to be universally liked.  Conversely, he's been the face of the NFL for years and has witnessed first hand the temperament of a team at its absolute highest and absolute lowest.  

What this means is that Peyton comes equipped to take on the duties common with running an NFL front office.  He can communicate with the franchise brass, while also being able to relate to the players and their own specific dilemmas. 

It might be a few years before Peyton Manning is even considered for a position like this. Still, this could be a great move to pursue after his playing days have passed and no doubt the people of Indianapolis would love to one day see him in a managing role with the Colts.