New Peyton Manning Rumors on Colts GM Job and 'Any NFL Opportunities' After Chris Ballard's Firing

NFL legend Peyton Manning wears a lot of hats these days. General manager of the Indianapolis Colts won't be one of them.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday the Colts "have not approached Manning about their vacant GM job, nor would the Hall of Fame quarterback be expected to be interested in the position."

According to Schefter, Manning isn't prepared to assume the kind of time requirement being an NFL GM would demand. He's not closing the door altogether on working inside the league, though:

"Manning would be willing to listen and consider any NFL opportunities at any time, but the Colts have not discussed any of those possibilities with him, according to sources. It's possible that some could come in the future, sources said, but those discussions likely would involve higher-profile positions similar to the ones that other former NFL quarterbacks have accepted with other franchises."

Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced Monday the team was dismissing general manager Chris Ballard. A 26-20 loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans was the final straw.

Almost immediately, Dan Patrick reported on his radio show that Manning could be a factor in the search for a new GM:

Mike Chappell of Fox 59 in Indianapolis followed up on that to cast doubt on the retired star making a transition to the front office:

Manning has long been floated as a possible general manager one day. As far back as 2019, former teammate Reggie Wayne suggested he might one day be a "new, modern Jerry Jones" in that he'd share the titles of owner and GM.

Jason La Canfora reported for CBS Sports in 2021 that Manning was interested in possibly purchasing a stake in the Denver Broncos and "already had discussions with several of the groups expected to be favorites to land the team."

Alas, here we are in 2026 and the 50-year-old is no closer to occupying an official role on a team. He appears content to be a commercial pitchman and widen his television footprint through his Omaha Productions studio.