Eye Opening Irsay Quotes

Everyone knows of the big news from yesterday. But a deeper look at some of the things Jim Irsay said (in this case, in an SI article by Don Banks) gives an indication of where this is all headed.

"He may not ever be able to play again,'' Irsay said. "We just don't know that yet. It's a question of whether his arm comes back, and the nerve regeneration occurs. It's always been an issue about his long-term health after football, that's the big issue. And then there are salary cap consequences that have to be dealt with as part of his return. But it's going to be his call whether he stays.

You don't know that? Peyton would probably not like you saying that. You've seen the man throw. You were reportedly 'pleased' at the way he threw. If you're doubting that he can ever play again then this should be a relatively simple conversation and no one should fault you for the tough business decision you must make.

"If he can get healthy and he wants to take the risk of playing, I'd rather see him be here and play for us this year. It can be worked out. If he can get back to the point of being the old Peyton Manning, he can play for us this season and handle it better than a rookie quarterback would be able to handle it.''

So, just this season or what? Isn't this really just pushing out the real problem at hand one more year? That is unless, you think Peyton will retire in a season. Otherwise, what are you going to do? Sit Andrew Luck for a second year? Release Peyton before next year? The mention of the 'this season' shows that Manning is likely not desired beyond this season.

And how do you feel about him taking the 'risk' of playing? Don't you want him to take the risk? Because it sounds like you would not be too unhappy if he didn't.

"But if he can play, he could do that for us this season and then he'd have the choice of whether to retire, with his number retired, the statue built and the whole thing. If he's healthy, he'd handle 2012 better than Andrew could. But ultimately I have always wanted him to make the decision, with us having pointed out the risk and the stress he's putting his neck under by playing. The biggest aspect is I want him to be comfortable with his decision.''

And there it is. The 'AHA' quote of the entire article. You're taking 'Andrew', aren't you. You finally said it. Perfect world, Peyton comes in and mentors Luck for a season on your terms and you're not the bad guy. And from there you have to do what you have to do, really.

"That's the last he'd want to do for this team, put us in that kind of salary cap situation,'' Irsay said. "He wants to come back and he wants to win. I should say I assume he wants to come back. With Peyton, sometimes you never know. But that's why we're going to have a meeting in a few days. I think he has some real comfort in the idea of finishing his career here, but I think he's conflicted perhaps given the circumstances. We'll find out soon.''

You probably should have found out man to man before this was any type of story. The fact that you didn't is pretty telling, at least I think. With Peyton, sometimes you never know. After all, he is a politician.