Broncos confirm Manning as their quarterback for next two years.
Peyton Manning has triggered his guaranteed salary of $20m a year as he is confirmed as the Denver Broncos quarterback for the next two years.
The four-time NFL MVP turns 37 later this month, but having passed a physical earlier in the off-season he was been confirmed on the Broncos roster on Tuesday.
As part of the five-year contract that Manning signed with the Broncos this time last year, he will draw a $20m salary in 2013 and another $20m in 2014.
The 37-year-old’s health had been a concern for Denver having undergone multiple neck operations over a glittering league career in which he spent almost 13 years with the Indianapolis Colts.
As a result, the Broncos signed him to a contract that didn’t include a signing bonus, thus giving them the opportunity to pull out without a huge financial burden if Manning didn’t return from surgery the same player.
However, having made it through to his second season, he now has his next two years guaranteed by the franchise with 2015 and 2016, worth $19m each, not yet guaranteed.
Manning threw for 4,659 yards and 37 touchdowns as he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in his first season with the Broncos. He led them to a 13-3 record, winning the AFC West title and a No.1 play-off seed.
His career achievements are endless, with 12 Pro Bowl invites, a Super Bowl win and a Super Bowl MVP award the highlights.
Manning will now hope to build on the success he enjoyed in his first season with the Broncos, and help the team go on to improve on their performances. Last season they fell to eventual Super Bowl winners, the Baltimore Ravens, in the opening play-off game, and they will have high hopes of doing better in the next postseason.
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