Peyton Manning's fire for football found new kindling this offseason.
The Denver Broncos' 39-year-old quarterback said following Wednesday's mandatory minicamp practice that learning the new scheme has "stimulated" his focus.
"I've talked to some players that have told me that they thought that they may have stopped playing just because they got bored with the monotony, whether it was the offense or the same meetings or what-not, that physically they felt pretty good, they just got bored and they got frustrated, and they said, 'I want to go do something else,'" Manning said, via the team's official website.
"I think everybody likes continuity and some consistency in what you're doing, but I will say that at age 36 when I got here, now 39, I have been stimulated by the changes, which I do think keeps you engaged and energetic and focused in meetings."
One of the most industrious players in NFL history, Manning's work ethic and study habits are legendary. We're talking about a man who once took his helmet to the cold tub just to get reps hearing the practice calls.
"I'm going to tell you one thing I am not: I am not bored in the least bit," Manning said. "I am stimulated by studying. I feel like I'm engaged in trying to learn something new from Gary Kubiak (and) Rick Dennison and learn a little something new from Owen Daniels. Any time somebody has a question of me, I'm glad to answer that, about a route from Owen or James Casey. That's been the truth.
"Changes, instead of being stymied by any type of change, be stimulated by them. That's been true for me, and that's been a real positive, to tell you the truth.
How he adapts to Gary Kubiak's offense this season will be a plotline to trace throughout training camp and preseason. Manning's health will also be picked apart as we press into the regular season. The Broncos need him to remain healthy deep into January to make a Super Bowl run.
To that end, the Broncos plan to rely more heavily on a ground game led by C.J. Anderson and Montee Ball. Kubiak told NFL Media's Albert Breer on Wednesday he's really focusing on keeping a balanced offense and emphasizing a 50/50 run-pass split during offseason work.
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