The Facts: Archie Manning says he used to think that his middle son, Peyton, might play as long as Hall of Famers Johnny Unitas or Fran Tarkenton. They each played 18 seasons. More recently, Brett Favre played 20 seasons. But now, the elder Manning says, "I think (Peyton's neck injury) makes you a little more realistic' about a retirement date. "After missing a season, I think he is going year to year.'

Diehards Line:Manning missed all of his 14th season after neck surgery. But that didn't stop the Broncos from giving him $18 million guaranteed for 2012. And as Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio noted this morning, the "year-to-year" concept could come as a bit of a surprise to the Broncos, given that they'll owe Peyton $40 million guaranteed for 2013 and 2014. Though Peyton won't get the money in 2014 if he walks away, he'll get the money if any injury other than a neck injury forces him to call it quits.