Peyton Manning 'Not Healthy Enough' for Pro Bowl: Future Hall of Fame QB Drops Out

Peyton Manning has been selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times in his career. He has missed three times so he could play in the Super Bowl, but this year marks the first time he has backed out when not playing for the league championship.

The reason? A lingering right thigh injury he suffered during Week 14.

"It's a great honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl, and I've always taken the obligation to play in it very seriously," Manning said, via ESPN. "I've believed that, if healthy, it's a player's responsibility to play in the game because of what it means to be voted in by your peers and the fans.

"I'm disappointed that I'm just not healthy enough this year to be part of it. It's going to be tough not being down there with the other guys, but it hasn't had enough time to heal."

It is not too surprising Manning dropped out: Players often miss the Pro Bowl, an oft-derided mess that could possibly be the worst pro sports event in the country.

But the league is used to Manning taking his invitation more seriously than other stars, so it is a shame he will miss the Jan. 26 game in Glendale, Arizona.

As previously reported, the 38-year-old's future playing career is in doubt.

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Denver Broncos's executive vice present of football operations and general manager, John Elway, told media that Manning would take at least a month to decide whether to return for the 2015-16 season.

"My mindset right now is just disappointment after [Sunday, Jan. 11's] game ... I'm disappointed, I kind of need to process this game, we'll meet [Monday, Jan. 12]. I'm disappointed, I need to process this game,'' Manning said after the Broncos's postseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday.

When pressed for a yes or no concerning next fall, Manning was unable to offer anything worthwhile.

"Uh, yeah, I guess I just can't give that simple answer," he said. "I'm processing it."

Tags

NFL, Denver Broncos