Jim Irsay: Peyton can remain a Colt

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Quarterback Peyton Manning can play for the Indianapolis Colts if he wants to, the team’s owner told 24-Hour News 8 Saturday night on his way into the Maxim Party.

Colts owner Jim Irsay spoke with 24-Hour News 8 reporter Teresa Mackin on the red carpet ahead of the party at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

“I hope that it works out, and that he’s here with us, but like I said, I want to hear from him, and just see what his hopes are in terms of how we work it through with all the salary cap issues,” Irsay said. “But his health is obviously the first concern as well.”

Manning was out all of the past season after multiple neck surgeries. He’s been throwing the ball more recently, but hasn’t been cleared yet by team physicians to play. If he can play, though, Irsay said Manning can play for the Colts.

“If he wants to, yes, he will,” Irsay said. “You know, I think that’s the thing. I want to hear from him, and if he wants to be here, and he wants to play here, you know, then that’s what it’s going to be.”

Irsay went on to say that having Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck in the draft won’t affect the decision on Manning. Either way, the Colts owner said, the team needs a solid quarterback to stand behind a Manning who isn’t getting any younger.