The fascination surrounding the eventual end to Peyton Manning's NFL career continues to swirl in the offseason vortex.
The Denver Broncos quarterback visited retiring New Yorkers Derek Jeter and David Letterman earlier this offseason, opining "I'm not far behind" in terms of retirement.
However, "far" for Manning is relative. The 2013 MVP told The Associated Press last week that retirement isn't on his radar.
"Sometimes I sort of kick back and I pause and I think what sorts of things would I miss the most if I wasn't playing," Manning said.
So what would Manning miss the most?
"Being in the huddle," Manning said. "That's what I missed most when I was injured, I'll say that. I mean, there's no other type of unity or bond that I think any other job can provide. I know there are meetings, there are video conferences. But that huddle, because of where it takes place: it's often on the road, in the middle of the field, in front of 80,000 people, it's unique."
Chris Wesseling broke down how long Manning's Super Bowl window can remain open earlier this month. In our view, the 38-year-old could play out the final three years of his Broncos contract if the desire remains.
The camaraderie in the huddle seems enough to keep Manning chasing Super Bowl rings.
"When you don't play football anymore, you can broadcast, you can coach, you can be in management, whatever, but you are not allowed to go into the huddle anymore," Manning said. "That huddle is just for players. You can go into the locker room after the game and you can speak to the team, but I think any retired player would probably tell you they miss the huddle."
In the latest episode of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes discuss the winners and losers of minicamp season.
