Peyton Manning reportedly being targeted for NFL GM job

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Peyton Manning reportedly being targeted for NFL GM job

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 3:12 PM ET

The rumors of Peyton Manning returning to the NFL in a formal role are gaining steam once again, but this time there may be reason to believe there could be something to it.

The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, one day after the team’s Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Dan Patrick said on his radio show, citing an unnamed source, that the team’s “first call” would be to Manning to gauge his interest in the job.

“The Colts’ first call will be — has been — to Peyton Manning,” Patrick relayed. “The call will not only get names and suggestions, but the call will explore whether or not Peyton would be interested in being a general manager for the Colts as an entry point. That would include ownership interest in the Colts.”

"The Colts’ first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning." — DP shares what his source has told him. https://t.co/MgTbuJIxhW
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) October 19, 2026

The big question, assuming this is true, is whether or not Manning is interested. In the past, he has not ruled out the possibility of running a front office, though he has never committed to it before. He is often linked to front office gigs, but has never come particularly close to taking one.

On the other hand, this is the Colts, a team that Manning won a Super Bowl with and is closely associated with. He might be tempted to take on the opportunity with a franchise close to his heart, but fundamentally, he does have to want to run a front office first.

The Colts are off to a disappointing 2-4 start, culminating in Sunday’s loss to the lowly Titans.

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