" I don't think his value as a spokesman would change regardless of the team's he's playing for."

-- You might be right in that. On the other hand, if he plays for a bad team with bad receivers it may cut into his persona a bit.

At this point, should money matter as much to him? Or his advertising place? Maybe it does. Certainly he has appeared in several commercials and he probably isn't afraid of money. Being "away" from the hold of Indy in the commercial world probably isn't a big deal.

Now, if he's really injured and/or can't play as well, sooner or later the public will catch on and his value will diminish. Companies paying the billls also pay attention to things like that. He may be likeable, but a winning NFL QB is even more "likeable".

The '12 Colts team will only faintly resemble anything Manning played with anyway.  And he's not gonna go to a team that sucks worse than they do.  Manning made that team and if he's remotely healthy he'll do the same with any team of junk. 


Manning will be able to sell his persona way after he retires.  He's been that good.  He's developed that much good will to fans who don't give a flying flip about Indianapolis or the Colts.  His image and Q rating couldn't be any more squeaky clean.  He's completely likeable even to people that can't stand him as a fan.  He's created an image that transcends his career and probably his play even at the end of his career.

lbsouth1 wrote: The '12 Colts team will only faintly resemble anything Manning played with anyway.  And he's not gonna go to a team that sucks worse than they do.  Manning made that team and if he's remotely healthy he'll do the same with any team of junk. 


Manning will be able to sell his persona way after he retires.  He's been that good.  He's developed that much good will to fans who don't give a flying flip about Indianapolis or the Colts.  His image and Q rating couldn't be any more squeaky clean.  He's completely likeable even to people that can't stand him as a fan.  He's created an image that transcends his career and probably his play even at the end of his career.

IOW, he's Marino with a ring  : )

>>Manning will be able to sell his persona way after he retires.  He's been that good.  He's developed that much good will to fans who don't give a flying flip about Indianapolis or the Colts.  His image and Q rating couldn't be any more squeaky clean.  He's completely likeable even to people that can't stand him as a fan.  He's created an image that transcends his career and probably his play even at the end of his career.<<

I think that's right, and it's why, IMO, Irsay would be an idiot to let him go elsewhere for a measly $28 million.  You have invested 14 years in this guy and he's the face of your franchise.  You want every commercial he makes from now until he's 80 years old to be in a Colts' uniform.