According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Broncos QB Peyton Manning hasย expressed interest in owning and operating an NFL team, and would like toย take on a similar role to that ofย Broncos’ executive John Elwayย at some point.
La Canfora mentions that Manning is close with Browns owner Jimmy Haslem and the two of them had previously discussed the idea of purchasing the Tennessee Titans. However, this was before Haslem purchased the Browns.
League sources have told La Canfora that they believe the Titans could be on theย market at some point in 2015, and Manning could not only help the team get sold if he was involved, but new owners would reportedlyย covet Manning as well.
La Canfora adds that some believe the Titans could sell forย upwards of $2 billion after the Bills sold for $1.4 billion, despite being in need of a new stadium.
Manning, obviously, has ties to Tennessee given that his wife is from there and he attended the University of Tennessee several years ago. It’s also worth mentioning that the Titans were one of the final teams that Manning nearly signed withย following his release from the Colts.
La Canfora expectsย Haslam to approach Manning about an opportunity to be a part of the Browns ownership group should heย elect to retire.
Fred Smith, CEO of FedEx and a minority owner in Washington, reportedly has strong interest in the Titans andย Steelers minority owner David Tepper is considered to be another strongย potential owner. Both could end up having interest in adding Manning to their ownership groups, according to La Canfora.
Manning will have plenty of opportunities ahead of him once his playing career is over, but La Canfora reports thatย many close to him believe the opportunity to have an ownership stake in a team and control its operation is something that would interest the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Sources have mentioned that no one within the Broncos knows what Manning’s future plans are at this point in time.ย โI don’t even think he knows,โ one source tells La Canfora.
Manning, 38, still has another two years on his five-year, $96 million contractย that includedย $18 million guaranteed. He stands to make base salaries ofย $19 million in each of the next two years.
This season, Manning has thrown forย 3,910 yards while completing 66.9 percent of his passes to go along with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
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