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says Vic Fangio to get Broncos back to basics By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post May 31, 2019

Three years after his retirement, Peyton Manning remains content spending time around the NFL, but not in the broadcast booth or running a team’s front office.

He will continue to be a regular at Broncos’ home games, poking his head into his former team’s locker room and visiting with the opponent’s coach.

And he will continue traveling for his “Peyton’s Places” series to commemorate the NFL’s 100th season.

But the closest Manning will come to being on a team this year?

“I’ll be at the Yankees and Smashers eight-year old and softball games (for his kids) Marshall and Mosley — I’m a volunteer assistant,” he said. “And there’s flag football on Sunday — Marshall is playing for the Rams. It’s important to be able to go to those games.

“I don’t have that one-word job description — ‘coaching’ or ‘broadcasting.’ I’ve been kind of busy doing lots of things.”

Manning’s busy week included playing a pro-am round with at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, and then traveling to Ada, Ohio, and the Wilson Football Factory … and that was just Wednesday.

On Thursday, Manning attended the Broncos’ organized team activity workout followed by a visit with several beat reporters inside the team’s facility. Following are highlights.

Fan of Fangio

Manning has known Broncos coach Vic Fangio for decades. When Fangio was ’ coach in the , Manning’s father, Archie, was on the Saints’ radio broadcast team. And Fangio was ’ defensive coordinator from 1999-2001 when Manning was the Colts’ .

“I’m happy for him getting his opportunity to be a ,” Manning said. “He has certainly paid his dues. He’s all football. He’s a grinder. And I think he’ll do a great job.

“He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what (general manager) John (Elway) saw, (that), ‘This guy’s a football coach, we need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here. That’s what wins games.’ That’s kind of been the core of what the have been about and I think Vic will bring that to Denver.”

Returning to NFL

If Manning returns to NFL, most think the route will be via partial ownership that allows him to be a front office chief working above the general manager. Earlier this month, Manning’s name was floated as a possible general manager candidate with the , whose coach is former Broncos Adam Gase.

“I did not speak with Adam about that nor was I contacted by anyone,” said Manning, who added he keeps in touch with Gase.

Once Manning’s kids get older, will he consider joining a team?

“I can’t speak too far into the future,” he said. “I still stay connected (to the sport). I can’t look into a glass and say what I’m going to be wanting to do this year, next year or five years from now. I do know I want to stay close to it.”

One way to stay close to the game would have been to replace in the “,” booth. ESPN executives traveled to Colorado earlier this year to convince Manning to enter broadcasting, but it didn’t work.

“I enjoyed talking to them,” Manning said. “I had (a) great conversation. It wasn’t the right time this year. Maybe it will never be.”

Relating to Flacco

Manning can relate to new Broncos quarterback . In 2012, after missing 2011 (neck surgery), Manning left Indianapolis and signed with the Broncos five days before his 36th birthday.

This offseason, Flacco, after losing his spot in Baltimore, was traded to the Broncos two months after his 34th birthday.

“It’s a fresh start,” Manning said. “I think he handled (losing his job) well last year, but he wanted to be out there and was a pro and tried to do the best he could for the team.

“But he had a chance to be the starter and I know he’ll probably be hungrier than he has been in a while to go out there.”

Manning knows rookie quarterback , who used to attend the in .

“It’s a great opportunity for him to learn from Joe and maybe not have to play right away and I think that’ll be a benefit to him,” Manning said.

Heading to Canton

Manning becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Two years before his presumed date in Canton, he said he will be in attendance on Aug. 3 for the induction of Broncos owner and former cornerback .

“Played against Champ in college, played against Champ when he was with the (Washington) Redskins, played against him in Denver and played with him here — what an unbelievable career,” Manning said. “And then a huge reason that I came to Denver was I knew Mr. Bowlen was all about winning. And I knew that I was on the (career) clock and wasn’t going to be able to play 12 more years. I knew the Broncos were about winning and winning now.”

Manning will enter the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on June 8 (31 years after his father) and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on June 15.

Asked about his future date in Canton, Manning said: “I don’t really look ahead. … I feel really lucky to be able to have Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana and Colorado – four states be a part of my life (and) my football life. I’ve cherished the relationships and all that comes with that, but I don’t look ahead or assume anything.”

“Extra grind” paying off for Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post May 31, 2019

Drafted in last month’s second round, Lock is getting a crash course in the team’s offense.

Mistakes are fine. Just don’t make the same one again.

Per Broncos rookie quarterback Drew Lock, that is the mission statement for him from offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello during the offseason program.

“(Scangarello has) definitely been OK with me making a mistake, but definitely not making the mistake twice,” Lock said Wednesday night during the “Round With The Rookies,” charity event at Top Golf in Centennial. “That’s been the one thing we’ve focused on. We knew I would have to be under center, call plays in the huddle, learn a pro-style offense — it’s all new to me. How’s he treated me is, ‘You can make a mistake, but let’s come back and fix it.’ That’s been the biggest thing for us.”

Selected in the second round on April 26, Lock started rookie camp on May 10 and is getting a crash course of the playbook.

How are things going so far?

“Comparing Day 1 to now, I would say 1,000 times better,” Lock said. “It took some extra grind and some extra work. You think you know what it takes, but then you realize quickly you have to put some more into it. Once I figured that out, it’s gone more smoothly.”

Combing the rookie camp and OTAs, Lock has been on the field for 10 workouts. New plays (which are wordier). New operation (calling plays in the huddle). New techniques (playing under center more often). And new role (back-up to Joe Flacco).

Flacco said at the start of OTAs that he is more than willing to help Lock develop, but his primary job is getting himself ready to help the Broncos win. Some (many?) took Flacco’s comment out of context. But not Lock.

Lock said it’s been “great” and “awesome” working with Flacco.

“I’ll ask Joe stuff in the QB room and I’ll ask Joe stuff on the field, just to figure out how he operates,” Lock said. “You’re that long in the league (12th year) and have won a , you’re doing something right. He’s a really good player and I’m just happy to learn from him.”

Another learning point for Lock: How an NFL team practices.

“I would say all of the team periods you have (is the biggest difference),” he said. “You probably do two individual (periods) and the rest is team or 7 on 7.” Lock said some offensive installation remains before the end of next week’s minicamp. “It’s about learning,” he said. “I’m not expected to be perfect right now. There’s a lot that I’ve had to learn where I have to realize that sometimes, I’m going to make a mistake and I have to learn from it.”

Wolfe loves defense. Defensive end is all in and all about coach Vic Fangio’s defense. “Falling in love with the defense, actually,” he said after practice Thursday. “The last time I felt this was when I was first introduced to Wade (Phillips’) defense. I almost feel like I was born to play this defense.”

Asked to expand on that answer, Wolfe said: “We’re going to be moving. You beat the man in front of you and you beat him, beat him, beat him and then the next thing you know, we’re slanting somewhere and moving around and misdirecting. As far as the pass- game goes, we have some really fun pass-rush games that are just different. Things that aren’t just me setting things up for everybody else. It’s actually a little bit of the opposite. I can actually get back there and make some plays.”

Davis on . When the Broncos traded out of No. 10 in last month’s draft instead of taking Devin Bush, starting inside linebacker Todd Davis noticed. “The talk of the town was, ‘Linebacker at No. 10,’ so I was definitely glued to my TV,” he said. “They didn’t pick a linebacker at 10 (and) I felt like, ‘OK, that shows a little trust in me and it shows I have to prove everybody right.’”

Footnote. Wolfe on cornerback ’ re-worked contract and return to the Broncos this week: “Good for him. I’m glad that we got that taken care of because he’s definitely a pivotal part of our team. To see a guy get what he deserves is good.”

Could Denver be the host of the 2022 NFL draft? One oddsmaker says it’s a good bet. By Joe Nguyen Denver Post May 31, 2019

Back in 2017, the Denver Broncos submitted a bid to host the 2020 NFL draft. Ultimately that event was awarded to Las Vegas. Last week, the NFL announced 2021 was awarded to Cleveland and 2023 to Kansas City.

But what about 2022? One oddsmaker says it’s a good bet that Denver could be the site for the draft. BetOnline.ag on Tuesday has the Broncos as the third favorites at 3-to-1 odds, behind Boston (2/1) and Washington (5/2).

“The draft is something we’d really like to see accomplished,” Broncos president and CEO told in 2017. “I think it’d be nice for Mr. B (owner Pat Bowlen), to know that the city he’s witnessed tremendous support from in terms of what they’ve done for the Broncos and how important the Broncos are to people and how important football is people.”

As for the Broncos’ chances at winning the Super Bowl this coming season, the odds aren’t as nice. BetOnline has Denver at 50/1 odds — tied for 21st among the 32 teams. Bovada also has Denver at 21st, but at 60/1 odds.

Anything but retired Peyton dishes on Fangio, supposed Jets' GM job and family By Mike Klis KUSA May 31, 2019

Former Broncos QB says he will attend Hall of Fame inductions for Pat Bowlen and Champ Bailey.

You try keeping up with Peyton Manning and see if he’s retired.

He’s done playing quarterback, sure. His farewell press conference at Broncos headquarters was a little more than three years ago. But he’s had no problem filling his calendar.

He was paired Wednesday with Tiger Woods at The Memorial Tournament Pro Am at the Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Less than 24 hours later, Manning watched the Broncos’ offseason training activity (OTA) practice Thursday at UCHealth Training Center.

"I don’t use the ‘R’ word," Manning said in a casual press gathering with local reporters. "It’s my second chapter, if you will. I don’t have that one word job description, coaching or broadcasting. I have just been kind of busy doing lots of things. That’s important to be able to go those games… There’s flag football on Sunday. Marshall is playing for the Rams. He has a game on Sunday at 4."

OK, for a guy who is done playing football, his name sure is frequently mentioned in the press. "I'm not trying to,’" he said. "Well, I volunteered to be at that (golf tournament with Tiger) yesterday. For my name to be mentioned for a GM job, I didn't volunteer for that. Somebody else volunteered that. So, I don't really count that."

Manning was dressed in khaki shorts, a long-sleeved gray pullover and a ball cap as he watched the Broncos’ practice Thursday. It struck him how few current Broncos there are remaining from his final season of 2015, otherwise known as Denver’s season.

He met several local reporters inside a set of double doors that leads into hallways and the new team meeting room.

Since Manning brought it up, did his former offensive coordinator and current New York Jets’ head coach Adam Gase about contact him about that team’s general manager’s job?

"He never did," Manning said. "I have spoken with Adam, of course, since he's been there, but I did not speak with him about that, nor was I contacted by anyone."

Manning said he would be in Canton, Ohio in early August for the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions of Broncos’ cornerback Champ Bailey and owner Pat Bowlen.

"Played against Champ in college, played against Champ when was with the Redskins, played against him in Denver," Manning said. "And played with him here – what an unbelievable career.

"And then a huge reason that I came to Denver was I knew Mr. Bowlen was all about winning. And I knew that I was on the clock and wasn’t going to be able to play 12 more years. I knew the Broncos were about winning, and winning now.

"Two great inductions and and are two guys I played against. I feel a part of Ed Reed’s induction. I think I’ll be on his highlight tape. "And Tony Gonzalez, I used to play in the with him. Man, I used to always say if you could take one guy back with you who would you take back? I’d take Tony Gonzalez. I think he was the best ever to play."

Manning and new Broncos’ head coach Vic Fangio go back to 1999 with Indianapolis where Manning was the quarterback and Fangio was the Colts’ defensive coordinator.

"And Vic, he's super competitive and he wanted to win every practice against the offense," Manning said. "… And he really could be irritating. I can't remember what I did. But it seems like they held a lot during one practice. We didn't have refs at practice back then but I was probably complaining about they're holding our receivers and Vic put a plate of wine and cheese in my locker. He didn't say it was him but I knew it was him. Only he had access to it."

Manning endorsed not going with the league trend of hiring a young, offensive mind and instead going with the older, defensive whiz in Fangio.

"I think Vic earned John’s respect and impressed him in that interview," Manning said. "I’d I’ll say he impressed him by being who he is. He probably wore that same gray sweat suit that he had out there in practice. I think he owns a couple of ties and a couple of suits and he, just get me into my coaching gear and headset and a whistle and let’s go.

"He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what John saw, this guy’s a football coach, we need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here. That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about and I think Vic will bring that Denver.

"I think coaches don’t like being labeled defensive coach, offensive coach. I think Vic’s a football coach. I think if Vic had to go be an offensive coordinator or a receivers coach, I think he could do it because he can coach football. But he happens to be one of the great defensive minds in the game and I think he’ll be a great leader of the entire team not just one side of the ball."

As for Manning, he keeps getting associated with NFL jobs, but he seems busy enough serving as a volunteer assistant for Marshall and Mosley's teams in the Denver area.

"I think it’s funny to be up for a lot of jobs, but I don’t really get to confirm or get asked about it," Manning said. "I like listening."

The opportunity to become a color analyst for Monday Night Football?

"I talked to the Monday Night Football folks," he said. "I enjoyed talking to the them. I had great conversation. It wasn’t the right time this year. Maybe it will never be. ... I have been busy and stimulated and also protected a lot of free time. I will be at the Yankees and Smashers 8-year-old baseball and softball games, Marshall and Mosley." Fickle fate of Devin Bush fell Todd Davis' way By Mike Klis KUSA May 31, 2019

The Denver Broncos inside linebacker stays for his fourth year as starter. Funny how the fate of Devin Bush affected so many.

Instead of a Pittsburgh Steeler, Bush was close to becoming a Bronco. And if he was a Bronco, and Drew Lock are not.

Then there was the trickle down affect on so many others. Bush is an inside linebacker and so is Todd Davis, who was hosting a draft party for charity at a bowling alley while holding his breath.

“I was definitely glued in,’’ said Davis, a three-year starter who was a team captain last season. “The talk of the town was linebacker at 10, so I was definitely glued to my TV.’’

Bush, who played for Vic Fangio’s good friend at Michigan, had his name on a card the Broncos were set to turn in to the official NFL Draft person. But the Broncos also knew the Steelers wanted Bush. A trade had been discussed beforehand. It was a matter of whether the Steelers would go through with it.

Broncos general manager John Elway had his top assistant call Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert. With about a minute left before the clock on their selection ran out, the Broncos traded the No. 10 pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for its No. 20 choice in the first round, No. 52 selection in the second round and third-round pick in 2020.

Bush went No. 10 but to the Steelers, not the Broncos. The Broncos took Fant, a tight end from Iowa at No. 20, and traded up from that No. 52 pick they also acquired from Pittsburgh to get Lock at No. 41.

Which was fine by Todd Davis.

“They didn’t pick a linebacker at 10,’’ Davis said after the Broncos’ OTA practice Thursday. “I felt like, ‘OK, that shows a little trust in me and it shows I have to prove everybody right.’ That is the biggest thing for me. If somebody goes out on a limb and makes a decision on my behalf, it’s my decision to make sure they made the right one.”

Davis led the Broncos in tackles in two of the previous three years. He is scheduled to make $4 million this year, a value by today’s veteran starter standards.

With Fangio now running the defense, Davis was asked if expectations compare to the 2015 defense.

“It’s high,’’ Davis said. “It’s definitely high. I’m not going to compare it to anything because I think it can be better. I don’t feel like there is anything stopping us right now. I feel like as long as we do our job and work hard, we can be great.”

It can’t be better than the 2015 defense. The 2019 defense can be as good. But you can’t beat a defense that was primarily responsible for bringing Denver a Super Bowl 50 parade.

“I feel like we can be really great,’’ Davis said. “We got a lot of great pieces. I’m super glad that we got Chris back. I think he’s a huge piece to our defense. But if we can execute and play well and just execute Vic’s defense, we’ll be a phenomenal defense.”

Good enough.

Peyton wants to 'stay connected' to the NFL By Jeff Legwold ESPN May 31, 2019

Peyton Manning wants to "stay connected'' to the NFL in any way he can these days, and although working in the Monday Night Football booth or in a team's front office is not in the cards right now, Manning said Thursday he will always listen to opportunities that come his way.

Manning, who retired after the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl season in 2015, was at the team's practice Thursday. And this offseason he has seen his name linked by a variety of media outlets to the , and, this past week, the New York Jets.

"I have spoken with [Jets coach] Adam [Gase], of course, since he's been there, but I did not speak with him about that nor was I contacted by anyone," Manning said of the current Jets' opening for a general manager.

Asked if he planned to work in the league in the future, Manning referenced his current work on "Peyton's Places,'' an ESPN+ show around the NFL's 100th season and said:

"I can't speak too far into the future. I guess in a way I am [working in the league]. I'm doing this little thing for the NFL for the 100th year, I went from Columbus yesterday to Ada, Ohio, for Wilson, where they make the footballs. ... I went and kind of learned how to make a football, looking for a job. And I failed miserably. And I'm going to Chicago next week. ... I have enjoyed that. ... I have enjoyed staying connected with it in this way.

"I still stay connected, I just can't ... look into a glass and say what I'm going to be wanting to do next year or five years from now," Manning added. "I know I do want to stay close to it, stay connected to it."

Manning met with ESPN/ABC officials earlier this year about being an analyst for Monday Night Football. Manning said Thursday that with 8-year-old twins Marshall and Mosley, time with family is his priority.

"I talked to the Monday Night Football folks, I did, and enjoyed talking to them and had a great conversation. It just wasn't the right time for me this year and maybe it will never be, but I enjoy talking and listening," Manning said. "I'm pretty good, even going back to when I was recruited in high school, about listening and then telling you pretty quickly, right away, 'Hey, I'm out,' or 'Actually I'm in.' I'm not into leading anybody on.

"I think all you can do is listen because who knows what it might lead to down the road. I've been busy and stimulated and [I've] also protected a lot of free time. I'll be at the Yankees and the Smashers 8-year- old baseball and softball games this Saturday."

Manning doesn't consider this stage of his life to be retirement. "I don't use the R-word. I just use kind of my second chapter, if you will," he said. "I don't have that one-word job description like coaching or broadcasting. I just kind of stay busy doing lots of things, but it's important for me to be able to go to those games on Saturday, flag football on Sunday. Marshall's playing for the Rams; they're playing on Sunday.'' Peyton Manning talks Vic Fangio, Joe Flacco’s arrival and his ‘second chapter’ By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic May 31, 2019

In the three years since Peyton Manning retired, the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 roster has been whittled to six players. Six familiar faces still wearing orange and as Manning watched one of the Broncos’ final OTA practices Thursday.

The coaching staff was new — again.

The roster was mostly new — again.

The quarterback was new — again.

Thank goodness Chris Harris Jr. ended his contract dispute.

“That helps,” Manning said, a day removed from playing alongside Tiger Woods at The Memorial Pro-Am in Dublin, Ohio. “It helps having a familiar face. But I keep up with Adam (Gase) and I keep up with Jim Caldwell and . Guys that I’ve played for and guys that I’ve played with.”

Manning was no stranger, if he ever is in his various stops. His time in Indianapolis included three years with Vic Fangio, previously the Colts’ defensive coordinator, and his brief free-agency tour included a stop in Tennessee where was the head coach. He, of course, knows Joe Flacco and has texted him multiple times since he arrived in Denver. And as an NFL historian, Manning is able to rattle off every connection and every play from deep in his memory bank.

So he did just that in a wide-ranging interview after the Broncos’ practice, touching on his history with the new coaches, what he misses from his days in the huddle and why, perhaps, he can relate a bit to Flacco as the veteran begins the second phase of his career. Manning spoke about those times going against newest Hall of Famer Champ Bailey in practice, why fellow 2019 inductee Pat Bowlen was a big reason he chose Denver as a free agent, and why he’s determined to protect his new life as a volunteer assistant baseball and softball coach for his twins, Marshall and Mosley.

While Manning has been out of the game since 2016, he has remained in the spotlight, garnering attention — often involuntarily — for job openings across the league and forays into media.

“I’m not trying to,” he said with a smile. “Well, I volunteered to be at (the Memorial) yesterday. For my name to be mentioned for a GM job, I didn’t volunteer for that. Somebody else volunteered that. So I don’t really count that.”

Some quick hits from Manning’s visit to Dove Valley and on his “second chapter”:

Manning spent time with Fangio in New Orleans when his father, Archie, was on the Saints’ radio and broadcast team and Fangio was the team’s linebackers coach (1986-94). But, in pure Peyton fashion, he recalls specific moments and games that connected him to Fangio.

This one is from Manning’s rookie year with the Colts in 1998, when they capped their season with a 27- 19 loss to the Panthers. Fangio was Carolina’s defensive coordinator that year, then joined the Colts in the same role in 1999.

“I played against Vic my rookie year. Not a great game,” Manning said. “We were playing Carolina, it was the last game of the season, pretty miserable season, we were 3-13. I still hold that rookie record for . I don’t remember how much time was left in the game, but I feel we might have still had a chance to get back in it. I was actually trying to throw the ball away and I didn’t throw it high enough and Eric Davis intercepted it. It was just a fitting ending to a miserable season and then Vic came to Indy. He was our defensive coordinator for three years with me under Jim Mora. And Vic, he’s super competitive and he wanted to win every practice against the offense, you know, obviously he was trying to win every game.

“In his first year we went from 3-13 to 13-3 and a lot of that had to do with Vic coming in and kind of solidifying the defense. And we played better on offense but he tried to win every practice and they would have the upper hand a lot at practice. And he really could be irritating. I can’t remember what I did. But it seems like they held a lot during one practice. We didn’t have refs at practice back then, but I was probably complaining about them holding our receivers and Vic put a plate of wine and cheese in my locker. He didn’t say it was him but I knew it was him. Only he had access to it. But it was really competitive every day in practice. And if you get a compliment from Vic Fangio, you’ve done something special, because he does not roll them out there very much. But it was competitive and I think it helped me a lot.

“And then (Broncos executive vice president of public and community relations) Patrick (Smyth) shared with me that he must have really irritated me a lot because I finished 15-1 against (Fangio) in my career. I don’t remember him bothering me that much, but I guess I kept it with me. But I’m happy for him getting his opportunity to be a head coach. He has certainly paid his dues. He is all football. He is a grinder and I think he’ll do a great job. I think he will. I don’t know all of the coaches. I know some of the defensive coaches he kept, they were here when I was here and I have tremendous respect for Mike Munchak, and I think that was a great pickup. I’m looking forward to it.”

While many NFL teams are seemingly searching for the next young offensive mind to be their head coach, the Broncos went against the grain and hired an older coach with decades of experience on the defensive side.

Manning applauds the hire.

“I think Vic earned John’s respect and impressed him in that interview,” he said. “I’d say he impressed him by being who he is. He probably wore that same gray sweatsuit that he had out there in practice. I think he owns a couple of ties and a couple of suits and he — just get me into my coaching gear and headset and a whistle and let’s go. He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what John saw, this guy’s a football coach. We need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here. That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about and I think Vic will bring that to Denver.

“I think coaches don’t like being labeled defensive coach, offensive coach. I think Vic’s a football coach. I think if Vic had to go be an offensive coordinator or a receivers coach, I think he could do it because he can coach football. But he happens to be one of the great defensive minds in the game and I think he’ll be a great leader of the entire team, not just one side of the ball.’’

Including the playoffs, Manning went 6-1 against Joe Flacco, the last of which kicked off Denver’s Super Bowl-winning season in 2015. The two have texted since Flacco was traded to Denver earlier this year.

“I think he’ll have a great year. It sounds like there’s some carry-over between some of the systems that was in Baltimore with (Gary) Kubiak and there’s some carry-over.

“It’s a fresh start. I think he handled it well last year, but he wanted to be out there and was a pro and tried to do the best he could for the team but had a chance to be in a new place and have a chance to be the starter. And I know he’ll probably be hungrier than he has been in a while to go out there.”

Manning is also familiar with Drew Lock, the Broncos’ second-round pick who was a former counselor at the Manning Passing Academy.

“He came to our football camp and we kind of stay in touch with those , it kind of becomes a little bit of a fraternity,” Manning said. “I’m happy for him getting drafted and it’s a great opportunity for him to learn from Joe and maybe not have to play right away and I think that’ll be a benefit to him. He’s certainly going to have some things to learn, huddling for the first time and terminology and whatnot, but he certainly has a lot of ability and he’s certainly got a good future here.”

Although Manning has stayed busy with speaking engagements and various media series — “Detail” and now “Peyton’s Places” — he admitted the aspect he misses most about playing is being around his teammates.

“I saw Emmanuel (Sanders) out there today,” he said. “So you miss the guys and you think about those times but most of the players that I played with are retired. So you still get to connect and keep up. I’ll do a group text with some old Colts. I’ll text some old Broncos — I kept in touch with C.J. (Anderson) and (Aqib) Talib last year and I always stay in touch with Emmanuel and D.T. (). You just keep up with players.

“I miss my teammates because you don’t see them every day. That’s the greatest thing about football. You were around the guys every single day. Huddle, plane rides, cafeteria, the off-the-field things. Patrick said Von (Miller) took a group to the Rockies game the other day. I loved doing that, organizing that. You still get to do it, but it’s on rare occasions. is going into the Ring of Honor this year in Indianapolis so I’m going to try and get back there for that. went in last year. I’ll be in Canton to see Champ Bailey and Mr. Bowlen be inducted. I’m excited about that.

“Played against Champ in college, played against Champ when he was with the Redskins, played against him in Denver and played with him here. What an unbelievable career.

“And then a huge reason that I came to Denver was I knew Mr. Bowlen was all about winning. And I knew that I was on the clock and wasn’t going to be able to play 12 more years. I knew the Broncos were about winning and winning now. Two great inductions and Ed Reed and Tony Gonzalez are two guys I played against. I feel a part of Ed Reed’s induction. I think I’ll be on his highlight tape. And Tony Gonzalez, I used to play in the Pro Bowl with him. Man, I used to always say if you could take one guy back with you who would you take back? I’d take Tony Gonzalez. I think he was the best tight end ever to play.’’

Manning’s name has come up quite a bit over the last three years for media jobs, vacancies in NFL front offices, even ownership rumors. Most recently he was speculated to be a potential candidate in the Jets’ GM search because of his relationship with Gase. But he said Gase never reached out about it.

“I think it’s funny to be up for a lot of jobs, but I don’t really get to confirm or get asked about it. I like listening.

“I have spoken with Adam, of course, since he’s been there, but I did not speak with him about that nor was I contacted by anyone,” Manning said. “But as I’ve said before, I enjoy keeping up with of course Eli, but the players or coaches that I’ve played with, played for, not many players here that I’ve played with. I was meeting a lot of players here for the first time.”

For now, Manning is keeping all options open. Asked if he will work in the league someday, he said:

“I can’t speak too far into the future. I guess, in a way, I am, right now doing this little thing for the NFL, on the 100th year. I went from Columbus, Ohio, to Ada, Ohio. You know what’s in Ada? Wilson. That’s where they make the footballs. I went to learn how to make a football, the process of looking for a job. I failed miserably. I will go to Chicago next week and spend time with Mrs. McCaskey, talking about and and the Da Bears cast, right. You can’t talk about the 100 years without talking about (actor) George Wendt and the Bears. I have enjoyed that.

“The Duke was named after , who was named after the Duke of Wellington. You recording this? I am giving you a history lesson. I have enjoyed staying connected to it in this way, spending time with people. I will see Coach Nagy with the Bears. I still stay connected. I can’t look into a glass and say what I am going to be wanting to do this year, next year or five years from now. I do know I want to stay close to it, connected to it. I do know I will go to a lot of games this year. I go to all the Broncos games and get into the locker room beforehand, and maybe talk to the visiting coach. If and when, maybe so. I guess if I say absolutely not, then you will say I changed my mind. I don’t have an answer for you.”

He did, however, have discussions with ESPN about “Monday Night Football,” which just lost Jason Witten after one season in the booth.

“I talked to the ‘Monday Night Football’ folks. I enjoyed talking to them. I had great conversation,” Manning said. “It wasn’t the right time this year. Maybe it will never be. I enjoy talking and listening. But I am pretty good, going back to recruiting in high school, and then telling you pretty quickly that I am out or that I am in. I’m not trying to lead anybody on. I think that college coaches that recruited me appreciated that. I think that’s all you can do is listen and who knows what it leads to down the road. I have been busy and stimulated and also protected a lot of free time. I will be at the Yankees’ and Smashers’ 8-year-old baseball and softball games, Marshall and Mosley. I am not coaching, I am a volunteer assistant.

“It’s my second chapter if you will. Don’t have that one-word job description, coaching or broadcasting. I have just been kind of busy doing lots of things. That’s important to be able to go to those games. … There’s flag football on Sunday. Marshall is playing for the Rams. He has a game on Sunday at 4.”

And in the meantime, he’ll continue to make the rounds to various football stops and events, many of which will be to commemorate his storied career. In two years he’ll be eligible for the Broncos’ Ring of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Asked if he gives much thought to the Hall of Fame, which he’ll surely be a first-ballot inductee, Manning said:

“I really don’t. Obviously to go into the Colts’ Ring of Honor was a great honor a couple years ago and to see some guys up there that you played with like and Reggie Wayne and Dwight (Freeney). I’ve always said to be able to play for two first-class organizations and to share in all of the moments with teammates and the reunion and to be able to win a championship with both teams, I’ll always be thankful for that.

“I don’t really look ahead. I have a couple nice honors coming up in June going into the Louisiana and Tennessee Halls of Fame. You’re only born in one state, so I’m proud to be going in the Louisiana — my dad went in years ago. I remember going to that induction. He and , Elvin Hayes went in that same year, coach (Eddie) Robinson at Grambling. And then Tennessee has kind of adopted me. I was not from there, had no connections there (before) my four years there, so I feel really lucky to be able to have Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana and Colorado — four states kinda be a part of my life, my football life. I’ve cherished the relationships and all that comes with that, but I don’t look ahead or assume anything. I’m looking forward to being there in Canton this summer for Champ and Mr. Bowlen.” Peyton Manning discusses Broncos' Flacco, Fangio, future in football By Troy Renck KMGH May 31, 2019

Manning watches Broncos, talks team, his future.

Peyton Manning refuses to use the "R" word. He's not retired. Busy is more like it. He travels, makes appearances, helps coach his kids, but never strays far from football, a sport that transformed him into a global icon. Dressed as if he had walked off the golf course, not the practice field, Manning addressed a variety of topics in a wide-ranging 17-minute interview with beat reporters, including Denver7.

Earlier this week, Manning golfed a pro-am round with Tiger Woods at the 44th Memorial Tournament. He then headed to the Wilson Sports factory in Ohio for a piece on how NFL footballs are made as part of a TV series he’s leading on the league’s 100th anniversary. If he’s not the most interesting man in the world, Manning remains one of the most active, bouncing from media platforms to events to his kids’ (twins Marshall and Mosley) games.

Here are some of the highlights from Manning’s interview conducted inside UCHealth Center after he observed practice, starting with “Are you going to work in the NFL, since you know, you have been rumored to take over as the Jets GM and Browns GM….?”

Peyton Manning on:

Whether he will work in the NFL

“I still stay connected. I can’t look into a glass and say what I am going to be wanting to do this year, next year or five years from now. I do know I want to stay close to it, connected to it. I do know I will go to a lot of games this year. I go to all the Broncos games and get into the locker room beforehand, and maybe talk to the visiting coach. If and when, maybe so. I guess if I say absolutely not, then you will say I changed my mind. I don’t have an answer for you. … I think it’s funny to be up for a lot of jobs, but I don’t really get to confirm or get asked about it. I like listening."

Did Jets coach Adam Gase reach out about GM job?

“He never did. I have spoken with Adam of course since he's been there, but I did not speak with him about that nor was I contacted by anyone. But as I've said before, I enjoy keeping up with of course (brother) Eli (Manning) but the players or coaches that I've played with, played for, not many players here that I've played with. I was meeting a lot of players here for the first time (Thursday).”

Why not take the Monday Night Football job?

“I talked to the Monday Night Football folks. I enjoyed talking to the them. I had great conversation. It wasn’t the right time this year. Maybe it will never be. I enjoy talking and listening. But I am pretty good, going back to my recruiting in high school, and then telling you pretty quickly that I am out or that I am in. I am not trying to lead anybody on. I think that college coaches that recruited me appreciated that. I think that’s all you can do is listen and who knows what it leads to down the road. I have been busy and stimulated and also protected a lot of free time. I will be at the Yankees and Smashers 8-year-old baseball and softball games (this week) with Marshall and Mosley. ... I am not coaching, I am a volunteer assistant.”

They let you coach kids after the famous Saturday Night Live United Way football skit?

“Certain parents are very hesitant. I kind of have to earn (their trust) as a volunteer assistant. It’s funny. It’s fun.”

On quarterback Joe Flacco, attempting a rebirth in Denver after an 11-year run in Baltimore. Manning pulled off the greatest second chapter ever when he joined the Broncos following his run with the Colts:

“Yeah, a little bit (I can relate). It's a fresh start. I think Joe handled it well last year, but he wanted to be out there and was a pro and tried to do the best he could for the team. But he had a chance to be in a new place and has a chance to be the starter and I know he'll probably be hungrier than he has been in a while to go out there.”

On Broncos coach Vic Fangio. Manning has known him since Fangio’s earliest days in New Orleans when Peyton’s dad Archie was on the team’s radio broadcast. Fangio also served as the Colts' defensive coordinator for three years during Manning’s time there.

“I used to go out there and work out with the Saints and I'd spend time at the facility so I'd see Vic some then. But I played against Vic my rookie year, not a great game. We were playing Carolina. It was the last game of the season — pretty miserable season, we were 3-13. I still hold that rookie record for interceptions. I don't remember how much time was left in the game, but I feel we might have still had a chance to get back in it. I was actually trying to throw the ball away and I didn't throw it high enough and Eric Davis intercepted it. It was just a fitting ending to a miserable season, and then Vic came to Indy. He was our defensive coordinator for three years with me under Jim Mora. And Vic, he's super competitive and he wanted to win every practice against the offense, you know. And in his first year we went from 3- 13 to 13-3 and a lot of that had to do with Vic coming in and kind of solidifying the defense, and we played better on offense. But he tried to win every practice and they would have the upper hand a lot at practice. And he really could be irritating. I can't remember what I did. But it seems like they held a lot during one practice. We didn't have refs at practice back then but I was probably complaining that they were holding our receivers and Vic put a plate of wine and cheese in my locker. He didn't say it was him but I knew it was him. Only he had access to it. But it was really competitive every day in practice. And if you get a compliment from Vic Fangio, you've done something special, because he does not roll them out there very much.”

What do you think impressed GM John Elway about Vic Fangio to hire him as a first-time coach? “I think Vic earned John’s respect and impressed him in that interview. I’d say he impressed him by being who he is. He probably wore that same gray sweatsuit that he had out there in practice. I think he owns a couple of ties and a couple of suits and he (is like), just get me into my coaching gear and headset and a whistle and let’s go. He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what John saw: this guy’s a football coach, we need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here. That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about and I think Vic will bring that Denver.

On the Broncos zigging while the league is zagging by hiring a defensive coach. “I think coaches don’t like being labeled defensive coach, offensive coach. I think Vic’s a football coach. I think if Vic had to go be an offensive coordinator or a receivers coach, I think he could do it because he can coach football. But he happens to be one of the great defensive minds in the game, and I think he’ll be a great leader of the entire team not just one side of the ball.’’

On the Hall of Fame inductions of Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and cornerback Champ Bailey, which Manning will attend: “I played against Champ in college, played against Champ when was with the Redskins, played against him in Denver. And played with him here -- what an unbelievable career. … And then a huge reason that I came to Denver was I knew Mr. Bowlen was all about winning. And I knew that I was on the clock and wasn’t going to be able to play 12 more years. I knew the Broncos were about winnng and winning now. I am looking forward to being in Canton when they go in.”

Peyton Manning drops by Broncos practice By Arnie Stapleton May 31, 2019

Peyton Manning hasn't strayed too far from football in retirement, serving as a volunteer coach at his kid's youth games, hosting a show celebrating the NFL's 100th season and visiting old friends like he did Thursday when he dropped by the Denver Broncos' practice.

Only a handful of teammates remain from the squad that won Super Bowl 50 with him three years ago, and it's a good thing cornerback Chris Harris Jr.'s contract stalemate was resolved this week or there would have been one less familiar face.

Manning still keeps tabs mostly on Indianapolis and Denver, where he played, and on New York, where his brother Eli is in a QB battle with Giants rookie Daniel Jones and where his former offensive coordinator Adam Gase is now running the Jets.

Despite rumors that Manning was up for the Jets' GM job following the ouster of Mike Maccagnan, Manning said Gase never contacted him about the job.

"He never did. I have spoken with Adam, of course, since he's been there, but I did not speak with him about that nor was I contacted by anyone," Manning told a group of beat reporters in a wide-ranging interview.

"But as I've said before, I enjoy keeping up with of course Eli, but (also) the players or coaches that I've played with, played for — not many players here that I've played with. I was meeting a lot of players here for the first time."

Manning said he enjoyed catching up with Broncos new head coach Vic Fangio, who was his defensive coordinator in Indianapolis from 1999-2001. Manning said Fangio's arrival in Indy "had a lot to do with" the Colts' turnaround from 3-13 his rookie year in 1998 to 13-3 in '99.

"He's super competitive and he wanted to win every practice against the offense," Manning recounted, adding, "I think it helped me a lot."

Manning recalled one practice in particular where he complained loudly that the DBs were holding his receivers and afterward found a plate of wine and cheese in his locker, a present from Fangio.

Manning ended up going 15-1 against Fangio's defenses during his career.

"I don't remember him bothering me that much, but I guess I kept it with me," Manning said. "But I'm happy for him getting his opportunity to be a head coach. He has certainly paid his dues. He is all football. He is a grinder. And I think he'll do a great job."

Manning also visited with quarterback Joe Flacco , who's trying to do the same thing Manning did seven years ago when he revived not only his own career in Denver but also the fortunes of a foundering franchise. "I think he'll have a great year," Manning said, adding that rookie Drew Lock is in a good spot getting to learn from the veteran QB.

Manning said what he misses about playing is the camaraderie.

"I miss my teammates because you don't see them every day," he said. "That's the greatest thing about football. You were around the guys every single day. Huddle. Plane rides. Cafeteria. The off-the-field things."

He said he was looking forward to attending the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in August for Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and cornerback Champ Bailey, but never thinks about his own enshrinement prospects. He's eligible in 2021.

Asked if he's going to work in the league someday, Manning said, "I can't speak too far into the future. I guess in a way, I am right now doing this little thing for the NFL, on the 100th year."

Manning is hosting and serving as an executive producer for "Peyton's Places ," a five-part, 30-episode series celebrating the NFL's 100th season. The show debuts on ESPN+ in July, with ESPN and ABC airing special compilations.

Beyond that, "I can't look into a glass and say what I am going to be wanting to do this year, next year or five years from now," Manning said. "I do know I want to stay close to it, connected to it."

Manning, who said he turned down the chance to work on the "Monday Night Football" telecasts because the timing wasn't right this year, spends plenty of time shuttling his 8-year-old twins Marshall and Mosley to their games.

"I will be at the Yankees and Smashers' 8-year-old baseball and softball games, Marshall and Mosley," Manning said. "I am not coaching. I am a volunteer assistant.

Manning is so busy nowadays that he shuns the word "retirement."

"It's my second chapter, if you will," he said. "I don't have that one-word job description, coaching or broadcasting. I have just been kind of busy doing lots of things. That's important to be able to go those games. ... There's flag football on Sunday. Marshall is playing for the Rams. He has a game on Sunday at 4."

And parents trust him around their kids after his United Way skit on "SNL" ?

"Certain parents are very hesitant," Manning deadpanned. "I kind of have to earn it as a volunteer assistant. It's funny. It's fun."

'That's what wins games': Peyton Manning expects new HC Vic Fangio to succeed in Denver By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com May 31, 2019

In the midst of Peyton Manning’s difficult rookie season, Vic Fangio added one final bad memory to the then-Colts quarterback’s opening campaign.

The Colts headed into the last week of the 1998 season at 3-12, and the Fangio-led defense ensured Manning would end the year with another loss.

“I don't remember how much time was left in the game, but I feel we might have still had a chance to get back in it,” Manning said Thursday in an interview with several local writers. “I was actually trying to throw the ball away and I didn't throw it high enough and [former defensive back] Eric Davis intercepted it. It was just a fitting ending to a miserable season.”

But the next year, Fangio joined Manning in Indianapolis. Fangio led the team’s defense and Manning led the offense as the Colts improved to 13-3 in 1999. In practice, though, Manning and Fangio had their share of battles — including one that ended with Fangio leaving Manning a gift.

“He tried to win every practice and they would have the upper hand a lot at practice,” Manning said. “And he really could be irritating. I can't remember what I did. But it seems like they held a lot during one practice. We didn't have refs at practice back then but I was probably complaining about them holding our receivers and Vic put a plate of wine and cheese in my locker. He didn't say it was him but I knew it was him. Only he had access to it.”

Even then, Manning realized that Fangio wasn’t easy to impress.

“If you get a compliment from Vic Fangio, you've done something special, because he does not roll them out there very much,” Manning said. “But it was competitive and I think it helped me a lot.”

Manning joked that their battles in practice must have stayed with him during the years that followed. In 16 career games against Fangio, Manning never lost to the defensive coordinator again. The 1998 game against Carolina remains the only blemish on Manning’s 15-1 record against the Broncos’ new head coach.

“I don't remember him bothering me that much, but I guess I kept it with me,” Manning joked. “But I'm happy for him getting his opportunity to be a head coach. He has certainly paid his dues. He is all football. He is a grinder. And I think he'll do a great job. I think he will.”

Though Fangio is now in the head coach’s office, the former Broncos quarterback and Super Bowl 50 champion doesn’t expect the 60-year-old coaching veteran to change.

“I think Vic earned John [Elway]’s respect and impressed him in that interview,” Manning said. “I’d say he impressed him by being who he is. He probably wore that same gray sweatsuit that he had out there in practice. I think he owns a couple of ties and a couple of suits and [says], ‘Just get me into my coaching gear and a headset and a whistle and let’s go.’ He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what John saw: 'This guy’s a football coach. We need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here.'

"That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about, and I think Vic will bring that to Denver."

EVALUATING THE QUARTERBACKS Manning knows both Joe Flacco and Drew Lock, albeit in different ways.

Manning accrued a 6-1 record against Flacco-led teams, with the only loss coming in the 2012 divisional round.

“It was great to see Joe,” Manning said. “We played against each other a of times and he and I have texted since we've been here and good to see him. He sounds good. And I think he'll have a great year. It sounds like there's some carry-over between some of the systems that was in Baltimore with Kubiak.

“… It’s a fresh start. I think he handled it well last year, but he wanted to be out there and was a pro and tried to do the best he could for the team but had a chance to be in a new place and have a chance to be the starter and I know he'll probably be hungrier than he has been in a while to go out there.”

Lock, meanwhile, attended the Manning Passing Academy in 2018.

“I've known Drew,” Manning said. “He came to our football camp, and we kind of stay in touch with those quarterbacks. It kind of becomes a little bit of a fraternity and I'm happy for him getting drafted and it's a great opportunity for him to learn from Joe and maybe not have to play right away and I think that'll be a benefit to him. He's certainly going to have some things to learn, huddling for the first time and terminology and whatnot, but he certainly has a lot of ability and he's certainly got a good future here.”

HEADING TO CANTON

When Owner Pat Bowlen and former cornerback Champ Bailey are enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, Manning will be in Canton to celebrate the pair.

“I’m excited about that,” Manning said. “[I] played against Champ in college, played against Champ when he was with the Redskins, played against him in Denver. And played with him here — what an unbelievable career.

“And then a huge reason that I came to Denver was I knew Mr. Bowlen was all about winning. And I knew that I was on the clock and wasn’t going to be able to play 12 more years. I knew the Broncos were about winning — and winning now.”

Manning said he hasn’t looked ahead to his own likely induction in the Hall of Fame or Broncos Ring of Fame.

“I’ve cherished the relationships and all that comes with that, but I don’t look ahead or assume anything,” Manning said. “I’m looking forward to being there in Canton this summer for Champ and Mr. Bowlen.” MISSING THE LITTLE THINGS

Manning got the chance Thursday to visit with former teammate . The former quarterback said he misses the near-constant interaction with his teammates.

“You miss your teammates and your guys,” Manning said. “I saw Emmanuel out there today. So you miss the guys and you think about those times, but most of the players that I played with are retired. So you still get to connect and keep up. I’ll do a group text with some old Colts. I’ll text some old Broncos — I kept in touch with C.J. [Anderson] and [Aqib] Talib last year and I always stay in touch with Emmanuel and D.T. [Demaryius Thomas]. You just keep up with players.

“I miss my teammates because you don’t see them every day. That’s the greatest thing about football. You were around the guys every single day. Huddle. Plane rides. Cafeteria. The off-the-field things. Patrick [Smyth] said Von took a group to the Rockies game the other day. I loved doing that, organizing that. You still get to do it, but it’s on rare occasions.”

A NEW ROLE?

Manning wouldn’t rule out that he would eventually work in the NFL, but he’s not at that point right now. He said the New York Jets did not contact him about their vacant general manager position, and he also said “it wasn’t the right time” to take a job this year with “Monday Night Football.”

“I still stay connected,” Manning said. “I can’t look into a glass and say what I am going to be wanting to do this year, next year or five years from now. I do know I want to stay close to it, connected to it. I do know I will go to a lot of games this year. I go to all the Broncos games and get into the locker room beforehand, and maybe talk to the visiting coach. If and when, maybe so. I guess if I say absolutely not, then you will say I changed my mind. I don’t have an answer for you.”

QB Drew Lock's comfort level '1,000 times better' as OTAs continue By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com May 31, 2019

Shortly after rookie quarterback Drew Lock jogged off the field following his first practice with the Broncos, he admitted he had a lot to learn.

During that May 10 practice, Lock realized calling plays in the huddle and operating under center would be no easy task.

And speaking to the media, he vowed he would improve.

Nearly three weeks of practice later, Lock said he’s taken the next step in his development.

“Compar[ing] Day 1 to now, I’d say [my comfort level is] 1,000 times better,” Lock said Wednesday at the Broncos’ first annual Round with the Rookies presented by Coca-Cola. “It took some extra grind, some extra work where you think you know what it takes and then you realize quickly that you’re going to have to put a little bit more into it.

“Once I think I figured that out, it became a little more smooth for me.”

Lock’s first few weeks of organized team activities haven’t been mistake-free, but he said he and Offensive Coordinator Rich Scangarello have focused on correcting issues and moving forward.

“He’s definitely been OK with me making the mistake — but definitely not making the mistake twice,” Lock said. “I think that’s been the one thing we’ve focused on. We knew I was going to come in, I was going to have to learn how to operate from under center, how to call plays in the huddle, learn a pro-style offense. It’s all new to me. So I think with how he’s treated me is ‘You can make a mistake, but let’s come back and let’s fix it.’ I think that’s been the biggest thing for us.”

Lock said he’s made a list of his mistakes each day and focused on improving in those aspects during the following practice. The goal, the second-round pick said, is to make that sheet of mistakes a little bit smaller each day.

Joe Flacco, the team’s starting quarterback, has done his share to help Lock as the rookie learns a new system.

“Joe’s been awesome,” Lock said. “It’s hard not to talk to a guy when you’re in the same quarterback room and you’re this close to each other on the practice field to where if I do have a question and I ask him, he’s very willing to talk to me about it. So I’m very appreciative for what he’s done for me up to this point.”

As Lock works toward a higher level of performance, he said he won’t let inevitable interceptions or bad practices weigh on him. “I think as a Q [quarterback], you’ve definitely had that practice throughout the years,” Lock said. “You throw a couple picks, figure it out, how to come back from it. You might be struggling with a pick early in your career and then when you throw a pick later in your career, you figure it out. I think I’ve figured it out.”

Lock said he’s also discovered a critical lesson that can only help him as he competes for the team’s backup quarterback role — and for a starting job later in his career.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned about the NFL is it’s about learning,” Lock said. “I’m not expected to be perfect right now. I’m learning all new plays. We just got done with our installs. We have a couple more coming. … I need to realize that sometimes I’m going to make a mistake, and I’ve just got to learn from it.”

The amazing story of why Vic Fangio once left a “treat” in Peyton Manning’s locker By Ryan Koenigsberg BSN Denver May 31, 2019

It was one of those stories that became a defining piece of Peyton Manning’s legacy. One of those things that made you understand what made Peyton Manning different. An anecdote the illustrated the perfectionist he really was.

The infamous locker notes.

As the tale goes, if he was unhappy with something a player did in practice, whether it be running a route wrong or simply not practicing hard enough, the surefire Hall of Famer would leave a note in their locker about it. A not-so-subtle way of saying, “get it together.”

Classic Peyton.

And while those notes have become a key piece of Manning folklore, especially in Denver, it’s nowhere near as good as what new Broncos head coach Vic Fangio once left in the locker of Manning himself.

To start, you may be surprised to know that Manning and Fangio go way back, all the way back to Fangio’s days in New Orleans, when Peyton’s dad, Archie, was the team’s radio announcer and a young Peyton would work out at the team facility.

The relationship got another chapter when Manning went up against Fangio’s Carolina defense during his rookie year in Indianapolis.

“Not a great game,” Manning told a small group of reporters during a visit to the UC Health Training Center on Thursday. “It was the last game of a pretty miserable season. We were 3-13.. I think there wasn’t much time left in the game, but I think we might have had a chance to get back in it. I was actually trying to throw the ball away, and I didn’t throw it high enough, and Eric Davis intercepted it. It was a fitting ending to a pretty miserable season.”

So you know, after checking the play-by-play, the way Manning recalled it from more than 20 years ago is exactly what happened. The Colts lost by eight after the with just under three minutes remaining.

Interestingly enough, that would be Fangio’s last regular season game in Carolina before becoming the DC in—you guessed it—Indianapolis.

“Vic is super competitive,” Peyton remembered of when he got there. “He wanted to win every practice against the offense. In his first year, we went from 3-13 to 13-3, and a lot of that had to do with Vic coming in and solidifying the defense.”

Manning then paused before delivering an epic story. “They would have the upper hand a lot in practice,” he added. “He really could be irritating. I can’t remember what I did—seems like they held one day in practice a lot, we didn’t have refs back then, but I was probably complaining about how they were holding our receivers, and Vic put a plate of wine and cheese in my locker.”

“He didn’t say it was him, but I knew it was him,” Manning added. “I knew he had access to it.”

After some investigative work, BSN Denver can confirm it was, in fact, Fangio who left that lovely treat for the quarterback.

“That he must have really irritated me a lot because I finished 15-1 against him in my career,” Manning said with a smirk.

If you’re keeping track at home, that’s 15-0 after that loss in Carolina, and, yes, 15-0 after the fateful wine platter.

Luckily for Fangio, he won’t have to face Manning anymore. In fact, the NFL Legend is once again on his side.

“He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what John saw; this guy’s a football coach. We need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here. That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about and I think Vic will bring that Denver… I’m happy for him getting his opportunity to be a head coach. He has certainly paid his dues. He is all football. He is a grinder. And I think he’ll do a great job.”

Now that they’re both in Denver, maybe a couple of football guys can talk ball over, say, some wine and cheese.

The interesting reason why Derek Wolfe is comparing this year’s defense to 2015’s By Zac Stevens BSN Denver May 31, 2019

John Elway’s solely focused on 2019. He’s “all in,” as the saying goes.

Look no further than his most recent deal, where the ink is still drying, to see it.

Instead of extending Chris Harris Jr. and looking toward the future, Elway made the unprecedented move of giving Harris Jr. a $3.15 million pay raise just to ensure he’ll be happy, and more importantly, back on the field immediately to prepare for the 2019 season.

Along with John, there are plenty of other people in the Broncos organization that are completely and utterly focused on 2019 and nothing beyond.

Not only is Harris Jr. entering the final year of his new $12.05 million contract, but there are five other significant defensive players entering their contract year, too.

“You got to go earn it. You got to go earn that next check,” Derek Wolfe said, explaining why so many players with only one year left on their deal is a positive for the Broncos as a whole.

As a matter of fact, Wolfe himself is entering the final year of his 4-year, $36.7 million contract he signed during the Broncos Super Bowl run.

A significant amount of the secondary and nearly the entire defensive line joins Wolfe and Harris Jr. as they enter their contract year, including Justin Simmons, , Shelby Harris and .

Additionally, Todd Davis has only one year remaining on his contract after this season, but the team could move on from him for only—in NFL terms—$1 million in dead cap after 2019.

“The thing about contract years is it can go two ways,” Wolfe explained on Thursday, as the team works through their final week of OTAs. “Some guys will play really selfish and not be so team oriented. Or they’ll do everything they are told to do, and it ends up working out really well for them.”

Over half of the defensive starters will be playing for their next paycheck this upcoming season.

“I think we saw what happened in 2015 when all of those contracts were up,” Wolfe said, referencing a defense full of players on their contract year that carried Peyton Manning to a Super Bowl.

“We had the best defense in the league. The best defense to ever play, in my opinion. The things that we overcame that year, I think we earned the spot to be the best defense to ever play the game. And we had a lot of guys on their contract year. We had a lot of guys that didn’t play selfish football. They did their job, and it worked out for all of us.”

But isn’t it human nature for a player to “play really selfish,” as Derek said, and not be as focused on the team when millions are on the line?

“If you don’t do what you’re told to do you’re going to get s***canned anyways,” Wolfe said as straightforward as can be, a staple of Derek’s personality.

With over half of the defense chomping at the bit to earn a massive payday in less than a year, the Broncos believe this defense can be as good as any defense. And not just this year, either.

“It’s high,” Davis said on Thursday, talking about the ceiling of this current defensive group. “If we can execute and play well and just execute, this defense will be phenomenal.”

When pressed if it can be comparable to the Super Bowl 50 winning defense, the former team captain responded, “I’m not going to compare it to anything because I feel like it can be better. I don’t feel like there’s anything stopping us.”

And, of course, there is Vic Fangio’s scheme. The scheme that has been raved about by every defensive player over the past two months since the players got their hands on the seemingly too-good-to-be-true playbook.

“I’m falling in love with the defense actually,” Wolfe stated. “Last time I felt this way was when I was first introduced to Wade [Phillip’s] defense. I almost feel like I was born to play this defense. I was telling my wife that last night, because she said, ‘You know it’s your contract year, where are we going to be?’ And I was like, ‘I feel like I was born for this defense.’ So I don’t think they have anything to worry about.”

According to Wolfe, worry is the last thing the Broncos have to do with the majority of their defense entering the final year of their deal.

In fact, it’s time to feast.

Elway gets snubbed in USA Today’s latest NFL GM rankings By James Merilatt 104.3 The Fan May 31, 2019

Now that the bulk of the NFL offseason is in the rearview mirror, at least the portion that involves the majority of major roster moves, USA Today decided it was the perfect time to rank every general manager in the NFL from worst (32nd) to first. Based on their most recent work in the front office, Steve Ruiz dropped his latest 1-32 list of GMs on Thursday.

And while a change at the top – with getting supplanted as the best in the business – made the biggest splash nationally, John Elway’s spot on the list is what made waves in Denver. Heading into the 2019 season, the publication placed the Broncos GM right in the middle of the pack, at No. 16, when it comes to running a franchise.

That seems like a lack of respect for an executive that has led his team to a pair of Super Bowl appearances and hoisted one Lombardi Trophy during his tenure, even with the back-to-back losing seasons in 2017 and ’18. According to Ruiz, the biggest blemish on Elway’s resume is the former quarterback’s inability to find a replacement for Peyton Manning at QB.

John Elway gets a lot of crap for his total incompetence when it comes to Denver’s quarterback situation — and deservedly so! — but the Hall of Fame QB has done a fantastic job building up the rest of the roster during his time in charge of the front office. Unfortunately for him, quarterback is the most important position to fill.

That’s fair. Elway’s choices of , , and to lead the team in the years since the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 have been subpar, to put it mildly. But Ruiz seems to gloss over the other portion of his review, not giving enough credit to the rosters Elway has built outside of the QB position.

In 2013, the Broncos had the best offense in the history of the league. Two years later, they won a championship behind a historic defense. That’s some impressive versatility.

And now, he’s transformed the team again, building what looks on paper like a suffocating defense and retooling an offense around former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco at quarterback. This is another example of Elway’s ability to adapt his plan on the fly, as he’s used a strong free agency class (which included two cornerbacks and a right tackle) and back-to-back solid drafts to rebuild in real time.

Obviously, Elway’s last few seasons havent been great; there’s a reason the Broncos have gone 11-21 during the past two seasons combined. But he’s still done plenty of good work, certainly enough to put him higher on the list than the likes of Duke Tobin in Cincinnati.

Peyton Manning says 'Monday Night Football' job 'wasn't the right time' this year By Eric Edholm Yahoo! Sports May 31, 2019

Peyton Manning certainly likes keeping his options open. After all, he’s football royalty and can pretty much do whatever he wants — or nothing at all — from here on out as it relates to the NFL.

But Manning had some interesting comments on Thursday about one big option he passed on in the short term.

ESPN tried to lure Manning into the “Monday Night Football” booth with an analyst job following the return to the field of Jason Witten. The network kept its booth to the two holdovers from last year, and Booger McFarland, along with on the sideline. It certainly would have been interesting to see what might have happened had Manning been interested in the job.

Speaking at Denver Broncos OTAs, Manning said Thursday that it wasn’t the right time for him to make such a move.

That last line is the most interesting. Could he consider that spot or something similar a year from now?

Manning doesn’t smack of a man who is burned out on the league. After all, these quotes come after he just showed up to watch OTAs. He’s still got his football camps and other charity events attached to the league. But it’s unclear what his next move connected with the NFL might be — on the outside looking in, or perhaps as a club or league employee.

Where will Peyton Manning eventually end up? Manning has weighed his options since stepping away from the NFL as a player following the 2015 season. He could have his eyes on something bigger. He has been connected to front-office interest with multiple teams in the past, such as his former and — just last week — the New York Jets. Manning said the Jets never contacted him about their current GM opening, so we have no real idea what his level of interest might have been.

Those types of jobs might not be options for Manning — now or later. After all, he has two very important teams to be mindful of at this moment: the Yankees and Smashers. It turns out that Manning has been working in sports after all.

Manning’s candor and wit are two qualities that might have made him a natural in the MNF booth, and his upcoming “Peyton’s Places” series on ESPN looks like some must-see stuff as it launches in the coming weeks. We’ve seen him vamp on “Saturday Night Live” and in other forums, so there’s a part of a lot of us that secretly hopes Manning will share his other gifts in some public forum. If it’s connected with football, all the better. But that isn’t coming to an MNF booth this year, and as he said, that might never happen.

As Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel wrote last September, the NFL just misses Manning. It still holds true now.

Broncos DE Wolfe: 'I was born to play' Fangio's defense By Jeremy Bergman NFL.com May 31, 2019

Entering the final year of his deal in Denver, Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe is looking to break out after a relatively unproductive 2018 season.

With new coach Vic Fangio calling the shots on defense in 2019, Wolfe is already howling in delight.

"[I'm] falling in love with the defense actually. Last time I felt this was when I was first introduced to Wade [Phillips'] defense," Wolfe told reporters Thursday. "I almost feel like I was born to play this defense. I was telling my wife that last night. She was like you know it's your contract year, where are we going to be, this and that. I feel like I was born for this defense, so I don't think we have anything to worry about."

Wolfe tallied just 3.5 sacks in 27 games in the two seasons after Phillips left his post as Denver's defensive coordinator for the same one in Los Angeles. In Phillips' two years with the Broncos (2015-16), Wolfe recorded 11 sacks, and Denver won a Super Bowl.

The defensive end thinks with Fangio, most recently the defensive coordinator for the ' No. 1 scoring defense, in charge that he, and by extension the Broncos, will experience a renaissance by playing within Fangio's system.

"If you don't play within the defense -- if you don't do what you're told and do your job -- you're going to get s---canned anyways," Wolfe said.

Wolfe will earn around $8.6 million in 2019, after which he'll be an unrestricted free agent.

"You have to go earn that next check," the 29-year-old defensive end added. "The thing about contract years is it can go two ways. Some guys they'll play selfish and not be so team-oriented or they'll do everything they're told to do and it ends up working well for them.

"I think that we saw what happened in 2015 when all of those contracts were up, and we had the best defense in the league -- the best defense to ever play in my opinion. The things that we overcame that year I think we earned the spot to be the best defense to ever play the game. We had a lot of guys on their contract year. We had a lot of guys that they didn't play selfish football. They did their job and it worked out for all of us."

Denver's organized team activities wrap up on Friday before mandatory minicamp begins on Tuesday.

Drew Lock is on his “extra grind” to catch up By Darin Gantt Pro Football Talk May 31, 2019

Drew Lock‘s getting used to plenty of new things, which means he’s making plenty of mistakes.

His goal is to not repeat them, which is why the Broncos rookie quarterback is putting in as much time as possible.

“Comparing Day One to now, I would say 1,000 times better,” Lock said, via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “It took some extra grind and some extra work. You think you know what it takes, but then you realize quickly you have to put some more into it. Once I figured that out, it’s gone more smoothly.”

He’s had 10 on-field workouts under his belt, between rookie camp and OTAs. And even though it became a talking point earlier, he has good help from starter Joe Flacco throughout the process.

“I’ll ask Joe stuff in the QB room and I’ll ask Joe stuff on the field, just to figure out how he operates,” Lock said. “You’re that long in the league (12th year) and have won a Super Bowl, you’re doing something right. He’s a really good player and I’m just happy to learn from him.”

But Lock’s getting used to many new things in the league, as simple as working from under center and calling plays in the huddle, which can lead to some overload

“[Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello has] definitely been OK with me making a mistake, but definitely not making the mistake twice,” Lock said. “That’s been the one thing we’ve focused on. We knew I would have to be under center, call plays in the huddle, learn a pro-style offense — it’s all new to me. How’s he treated me is, ‘You can make a mistake, but let’s come back and fix it.’ That’s been the biggest thing for us.”

Lock has the benefit of Flacco’s presence, giving him time to work out those kinks before the expectations on him grow.

Peyton Manning: Vic Fangio will bring solid, fundamental football to Broncos By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk May 31, 2019

Peyton Manning didn’t take a job in the Monday Night Football booth this offseason, but he was willing to engage in a little analysis during a visit to the Broncos facility on Thursday.

Manning’s history with new head coach Vic Fangio dates back to when Fangio was on the Saints staff and Manning’s father Archie was working as a broadcaster for the team. He faced a Panthers defense run by Fangio in his rookie season and then practiced against him for three years when Fangio became the Colts defensive coordinator.

Manning said Fangio “hasn’t changed one bit” since those days and believes that’s a good thing for the Broncos.

“We need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here,” Fangio said, via Nicki Jhabvala of TheAthletic.com. “That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about and I think Vic will bring that to Denver.”

Manning added that he thinks Fangio can “be a great leader of the entire team” despite spending his entire career as a defensive assistant coach and that prediction will be put to the test in the coming months.

Peyton Manning on Monday Night Football job: Wasn’t the right time By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk May 31, 2019

Peyton Manning spoke about the Jets General Manager job earlier this week and he discussed another job he’s been linked with this year on Thursday.

Manning said he never spoke directly with anyone from the Jets before or after they fired Mike Maccagnan this month, but he did have conversations with ESPN about joining the Monday Night Football booth after Jason Witten decided to return to the Cowboys. Manning turned down their overtures, which leaves Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland as the announcing team.

“I talked to the Monday Night Football folks,” Manning said, via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “I enjoyed talking to the them. I had great conversation. It wasn’t the right time this year. Maybe it will never be.”

Manning didn’t expand on why this year wasn’t the right time for him to take on a broadcasting role, but the answer suggests it’s something he might be open to doing in the future. Many believe that’s also the case for a job running football operations for a team, so it seems likely that Manning’s going to continue to be around the NFL in a significant way whichever path he chooses to follow in the future.

NFL reportedly will be easing its alcohol policy By Mike Florio Pro Football Talk May 31, 2019

Drink up.

The NFL reportedly will be softening restrictions on its alcohol policy. According to Mark Burns of MorningConsult.com (via Sports Business Daily), the league has communicated to all teams a revised policy. The news came in an email sent to the 32 franchises on Tuesday.

Under the new version of the policy, beers that partner with teams will be permitted to use images of players when marketing their products.

The revised policy also will allow liquor brands to use team logos, with those distilled spirits being known as the “official” whisky, tequila, vodka, whatever of the team in question. Wines will receive similar treatment.

It’s yet another money grab by the league, and there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s revenue that the league has left on the table for far too long, and now teams and players can get paid for their connection to a product that can legally be purchased and consumed.

And maybe it’s only a matter of time before marijuana dispensaries can do the same thing.