Big Update: Peyton Manning Had 'Cervical Fusion' Surgery Today, Career In Doubt
by Brad Wells on Sep 8, 2011 3:32 PM EDT
in 2011 Colts News
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From ESPN's Chris Mortensen, who has a direct line to the Colts and Bill Polian:
Sources say Manning had surgery this am - cervical fusion with 2-3 month minimum recovery.No word on whether he will be put on IR.
Manning actually just got out of surgery. No plans for injured reserve as doctors monitor fusion result, per sources.
The news of this specific kind of surgery is very serious. From Will Carroll:
If reports of cervical fusion are correct, this is potentially career ending.
For the first time in this evolving story, the very real possibly of Peyton Manning's career being finished is real. 'Cervical fusion?' Wow.
A two to three month recovery is certainly possible. But, one just does not jump back and play after, essentially, having one's spine fused.
This news is potentially catastrophic not just for the Colts, but the NFL in general. Peyton is the face of the NFL. More so than Tom Brady, Ray Lewis, or anyone else.
Just when you thought this story could not get any worse.
Should Manning return this year, a two-three month timetable puts him returning at or about the New England Patriots game on December 4th in Foxboro. Obviously, we'd all love to see Peyton back and playing them, but this is now something that could effectively end his NFL career.
[UPDATE]: From Jason Brewer, editor of Bleeding Green Nation, wrote this in the comments:
If Manning had career ending surgery on an existing condition weeks after signing a $90 million deal, some insurance investigators are going to be at Mr Irsay’s office demanding answers. Could be major legal ramifications.
[UPDATE 2]: From ESPN.com:
Manning decided to have the surgery, the sources said, after consultation with a half-dozen doctors who reached a consensus that the most viable option would be a one-level cervical neck fusion in the wake of his May 23 surgery to repair a bulging disk. It's unclear whether Manning would be able to return to play this season.
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Speechless
Seriously, hopeful that he can someday play again. Doesn’t look like it will be this year.
The Artist Formerly Known As beerbrunch.
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If Manning had career ending surgery on an existing condition weeks after signing a $90 million deal, some insurance investigators are going to be at Mr Irsay’s office demanding answers. Could be major legal ramifications.
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by JasonB on Sep 8, 2011 3:27 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, there’s no way an insurance company will pay out that claim without a major fight.
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Well, if it's truly over for him,
he’s been fun to watch. Too bad for him that he had to be saddled with dumbfuck Polian.
Agree
It’ll be a shame that Polian never did anything to help the guy on defense, o-line or special teams. Packers said it was a shame that they never did more to help Favre get another ring, and Colts management should feel the same.
It's most likely that
the astronomical incompetence of Polian is what led to Manning getting in this condition. He took a lot of abuse last year. Polian drafted Manning. Good for him. Everything else he’s done has been sickening.
Polian and his sorry O-Line is responsible for this surgery.
How does he do it?
If you saw last year's Texans
game, you wouldn’t have any doubt. Even the great Peyton Manning needs some time to throw the ball. More importantly, he doesn’t need to be driven to the turf half the game. You’d think such a great exec like Polian would figure that out.
This is horrible, I would punch Bill Polian if he was within arm reach.
How does he do it?
I suppose there’s a Polian is a real “pain in the neck” joke to be made here… but I’m gonna say it’s too soon right?
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Insanity
But if i hear one more idiot talk about tanking the season…
Has anyone ever heard of integrity?
by CoolJohnnieBNasty on Sep 8, 2011 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I would worry if I was a Colts fan.
I am a Chiefs fan, but my wife is a die-hard Colts fan so I have watched nearly every game they have played in the past several years. Let’s just say Peyton covers up a lot of problems. I said last year I thought that the 2010 Colts team might have won 3-4 games without Manning. I guess we will find out.
The views expressed by craig in calgary do not necessarily represent the views of all Canadians.
This is terrible news for the NFL as a whole.
I hope they are smart enough to place him on IR and hope he is able to play for a few more years.
You guys better not end up with Luck after this. Can’t the Colts let a team like the Chiefs have a franchise QB for a change.
The views expressed by craig in calgary do not necessarily represent the views of all Canadians.
Hey, you got Todd Blackledge!
The Crimson Quarry, SB Nation's Indiana Hoosiers blog
by John M (The Crimson Quarry) on Sep 8, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I just cried a little...
I’ve heard multiple horror stories about fusions before, and I hope they are all true. I really really hope this isn’t the end of his career….
Wow, I feel for you guys. Even as a Broncos fan.
It was a pleasure to watch this Hall of Fame career… even though he was a Broncos killer nearly every time we played.
My prayers go out to him.
The ignorant redneck formerly known as kentuckybronco.
Know 3 people that have had fusion surgery
None of them even jog let alone play football. The risk of permanent injury is too great. All of them were told the same thing.
What a week.
Root canal for me, and possibly career ending surgery for the greatest quarterback of all time.
I’m on antibiotics so I can’t, but somebody please do a shot for me. Or two.
Time to get Gerard
or talk Cincy into trading for Carson Palmer team too good to tank the season!!!!
I would love to see a play for Palmer
I think Palmer would be a great replacement for the next few years if Peytons injury is going to be career ending. That will give us a solid veteran and more time to find a long term QB. I think Collins is a band aid for right now, but not the answer. I think if we bring in Palmer and TJ that could really help the passing game and open up the run game. Maybe look at Harper to ad depth at safety. I like our safeties now, but concerned about injury issues there.
by Colts Forever on Sep 8, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
One more thing
Peyton is just injured not dead. I know it hurts a bit to not have him under center on Sunday, but from some of the responses I have seen people are acting like he has died in a tragic accident. We all know that even if he is placed on IR it will take more than Cervical Fusion to keep him off the sidelines. Plus there are 52 other guys on their roster right now. Manning or not I am still gonna watch every game just like I have done since they moved to Indianapolis and believe they are gonna win the division again this year. Titans and Jags have plenty of their own issues and to all the Texans fans, Schaub hasn’t played a full season since coming to Houston. He is one Freeney and Mathis sack from missing some playing time, he is made of glass. Johnson is a great receiver, but constantly playing on bad wheels is gonna slow him down. Foster has a nagging hammy issue, Ward isn’t much better from an injury standpoint. The defense is gonna go through some growing pains switching to a 3-4 from a 4-3. So in my opinion this isn’t gonna be your year either. The south belongs to the Colts. Manning or not the Colts are still a very good team and will still win the division. Feel free to respond if you disagree.
by Colts Forever on Sep 8, 2011 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
We can argue back and forth if he the best QB in the league or not
but he is absolutely the most iconic. This is a hit for not only Colts fans but the NFL. Not that I give a rats ass but I imagine the networks are also dying with this news with the Colts featured on five national TV games. Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter or Peyton Manning hmmm?
"20" - The number of fans in the stands in Jacksonville and students at Vanderbilt actually from Tennessee! Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration
This isn't right, Man! Just isn't right....
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Fusion?
If this is true IR Him and Peyton do not come back. This means he will have no flexibility left in his spine and he really would be one bad hit from living the rest of his life in a wheel chair. This truly sad. GO COLTS!
We all know he will make the best decision based on what the doctors tell him
way too early to speculate about the rest of his career today
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Sep 8, 2011 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Rivalry Not the Same Without Him
Colts fans, I really, really hope this is not the end for Peyton. As a Pats fan, I hate him on the field but like and respect him off the field. I hope he comes back because Pats-Colts is usually the best regular season for me. Good luck.
Colts statement
As previously stated on Monday, Sept. 5th, Peyton Manning has undergone further testing and consultation with several specialists regarding his rehabilitation.
As previously stated on Monday, Sept. 5th, Peyton Manning has undergone further testing and consultation with several specialists regarding his rehabilitation. The results of these tests and the consensus of the consultations was that further surgery was warranted. Peyton has undergone this surgery today by having a single level anterior fusion. The surgery was un-eventful.
This procedure is performed regularly throughout the country on persons from all walks of life, including professional football players. Two former Colts players had this same procedure last winter and have fully resumed their careers. Rehabilitation from such surgery is typically an involved process. Therefore, there will be no estimation of a return date at this time. We will keep Peyton on the active roster until we have a clearer picture of his recovery process.
Peyton will immediately begin the rehabilitation regimen mapped out by the surgeon. We anticipate no further updates or availabilities beyond those required by the NFL Media Policy for the immediate future.
Thank you for your consideration.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Thanks for posting the official statement.
But, a statement from the Colts doens’t carry a lot of weight.
yes an encouraging statement
for a bad situation thanks for the update
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Sep 8, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
God bless you Peyton!
Get well soon and take care of YOURSELF first and foremost. Our beloved Colts will persevere and kicks some serious ass in your stead. You are my favorite football player ever and I do not want to see your career end, but you must do what is best for yourself. Me and my son Peyton (named after you) will always be Peyton fans and Colts fans. GO COLTS!!!
by CrazyBlueSniffer on Sep 8, 2011 3:44 PM EDT reply actions
Giants fan here
Rooting for Peyton to get healthy. It’s been a pleasure to watch one of the best all these years and my family and I will be praying for him.
Right now the focus should be squarely on Peyton getting better. Not on his contract, insurance companies or even worse people who drafted him in fantasy football. Every football fan should be behind this guy hoping he gets better.
by gujuknick on Sep 8, 2011 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
At least the surgery was un-eventful.
But I really do not want to see him back on the football field. It hurts me to say that but this not something you can rub a little dirt on it and make it better. This hurts but there is a lot more important things in life than football. As I write this with watery eyes.
First of all
Here’s to you, Peyton Manning. You have QB’d this team since I was in 4th Grade and you have made me a Colts fan for life. God speed, good sir.
Secondly, http://uscspine.com/conditions/sports-injuries.cfm is an interesting read, especially this part:
General return-to-play guidelines are listed below.
* Please note – these are only guidelines; each individual athlete must be carefully evaluated by a qualified physician after an injury is sustained, and the decision to allow an athlete to return or not return to sport must be individualized and is ultimately made by the treating and/or team physician.
No Contraindications to Return to Play **
Single-level Klippel-Feil deformity/congenital fusion below C2
Spina bifida occulta
Resolved stinger or brachial plexus neurapraxia (2 or less)
Healed herniated disc
Healed subaxial cervical spine fracture (C3-C7)
Healed facet fracture
Healed lamina fracture
Healed spinous process fracture (clay shoveler’s fracture)
Healed one-level anterior cervical fusion
Healed single or multiple level posterior cervical foraminotomy
Just guidelines, but it provides a little hope for the future. But, his health comes first, ultimately.
I’m going to need to be completely stocked up on frosty beverages these Sundays.
Thanks! Being in the dark is the worst part.
"If they want me to be a crazy, emotional, frenzied fan in section 603, then they can't expect me to be reasonable about the business of football"
good summary
he will hopefully get the best advice on the planet and make the right decison for him
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Sep 8, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I would absolutely think he would
I think people are getting caught up in the cervical fusion part, when there are many versions of this surgery. Anterior single level cervical fusion is the one you can actually come back from. While they expected him to come back from the first and he didn’t, and its all up in the air, I think it sounds more potentially career ending than it is. 2 level, 3 level, posterior fusion… all versions of a cervical fusion that are worse than the surgery Peyton had.
Thank You & Get Well Peyton
This report of yours holds out real hope. Considering Peyton’s fearsome determination,
I think the odds of his recovery & return are promising.
Really?
A couple statements keep getting bandied about that I take issue with.
First, this is bad for the Colts, and sucks for the league, and it may even be a catastrophe for the Colts. But there is no way this is a catastrophe for the league, the networks, etc. Stories like this make people pay attention, not walk away.
Second, by “tank the season”, I don’t think anyone really means to throw games. I think the meaning is to go ahead and put Manning on IR, and give him a full year to heal, to hopefully preserve his future with the team. In other words, put his health and value in future seasons in higher regard than this season.
Third, what insurance are you all talking about? Manning’s surely got insurance on himself, but the contract he just signed doesn’t impact that, since he still makes his 50mil. The only loser regarding finances is the team and Irsay. Does Irsay have insurance on Manning’s ability to play? I suppose he might, but I doubt it. The Colts as a team are in trouble if Manning doesn’t play again primarily for losing Manning, but also for the years of cap hits.
I think Manning's the greatest ever,
but there’s definitely some ‘owner malpractice’ involved in the Peyton contract situation.
a couple people
specifically stated tanking the season purposely to get luck assuming he’ll be the next Manning but i think that is an insult to the team, the other players and Manning himself.
The team should play harder than ever to show their support for him not lose to try and draft his replacement.
Best of luck & Godspeed to Peyton....
Don’t even think about playing this year. Think of your health for the rest of your life & not in a wheelchair or addicted to oxycontin.
Peyton is an all-time great and if it’s over now, he’ll always be my favorite!
Sobering news, really
You probably don’t want to hear from a Pats fan, but I’m really stunned and hope he’s okay.
Keep the faith!
Sad
For real no trolling…
I’m a huge Texans fan but hate to see this happen. Twice a year I can’t stand #18 but every other game I watch in total awe. Sorry to hear this folks…
by mancrushonandrejohnson on Sep 8, 2011 3:55 PM EDT reply actions
I dont know if he will comeback someday, but if he does it
I expect the Polians learn the lesson and provide him a better OL and running game
have they ever learned a lesson about anything?
Every year that they lockup a playoff birth, they rest, and every time…..lose in the playoffs. That’s the definition of insanity. Try something different!
I don't want to see him in uniform again.
Not if there is honestly a risk of paralysis. He’s a father of two knew twins. He’s a great guy. His career possibilities from coaching to broadcasting are limitless….unless he ends up paralyzed.
Peyton is an awesome player. I’ve loved watching him these last 12 years. I hate to see him retire. But there is a lot of life after football. Get well 18, you are in all our prayers!
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by BigBlackRichard on Sep 8, 2011 4:00 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
...new twins...
"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second."
--Paul "Bear" Bryant
by BigBlackRichard on Sep 8, 2011 4:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He’s an adult. I hear what you’re saying, but it’s a dangerous profession and he knows that. I’m ok with whatever decision he makes. If he still wants to play, then I say he should play.
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End of an era or a long painful goodbye?
I’m sad beyond belief at this news. I’m a fan of the man that Peyton has been for the Colts and the fans.
Possible -outcomes-and initial thoughts on probabilites
Rehab goes great – returns for Pats game- 25%
IR and he comes back next year-45%
IR and retires- enters the hall of fame with Brett Favre 30%
@IndyVerm
I feel for Manning and all of you
On behalf of The Falcoholic, I hope his recovery is swift and your season goes well. Terrible news.
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From a Cowboy Fan
… It will be a crying shame if this is what ends Peyton’s career. He easily would of retired the best QB of all time…
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
From a Cardinals fan, I hope Manning heals up and that he will be able to play again
You just hate to see anything like this happen, especially to someone who means as much to his team and the rest of the NFL like Manning.
Hope he just goes on IR, heals up, and that he will be ready to go next year.
Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
Leading the NFL in swagtangibles
Jags Fan here. Hope he heals up.
I like our battles, and having Peyton to hate is part of it. I wish Peyton a return to health and feel sorry for all the Colt Fandom.
Chin up guys, could be worse you could be the Texans who are super bowl favorites every year yet can barely get a winning record.
by Atl- Jags Fan on Sep 8, 2011 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Vikings fan here
I like the Colts (not a fan though),but a HUGE Manning fan (I remember him leading you guys to comeback to beat us a few years ago,in the 08-09 season),I hope this isn’t the last we seen of him,we all saw Brett’s career end prematurely last year because of a bad O-line,I hope this isn’t the same case for Peyton.
I can see it now...
the SI.com writers room lined with plastic wrap, just like the clubhouse of a team that just won the World Series Bottles of champagne lined on a table up like soldier marching. Times slows down just as door to the side of the room bursts open, with Banks, Trotter, Byrne, King, and the rest of them spill into the room with looks of elation of their faces as news of their most favorite team/player to rip on has taken what may be a dive straight for the basement of the conference.
Bottles of champagne fly off the table, opened with the fervor of a child at Christmas, and their contents sprayed about with reckless abandon. Grown men dance around like children running through a sprinkler on a hot day.
Chants of “Brady, Brady” can be heard down the hall and they carry on into the wee hours of the morning.
…
Sorry guys, just a little bitter. Go Colts.
by Quixotegut on Sep 8, 2011 4:59 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, they keep picking the Pats because they're biased.
Has nothing to do with the fact they’re a pretty good team. You’re right.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by ISN on Sep 9, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Finally!
You’ve finally come around to the obvious. You’re like Indiana Jones except you don’t know how to compute the differing time zones. Where’s the sun? I don’t know, I’m ISN and I hates Ben Franklin and the movement of the spheres. I’m in the map room, it’s dark, and I didn’t bring my sampo.
And while we’re at it. I just saw a Droid Bionic and Velveeta Cheesy Skillet commercial. I blame you for those too. After those was a Bear Grylls commercial but I don’t blame you for that.
Or do I, you insensitive clod!?
by ActionOxford on Sep 10, 2011 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Ugh
Dude ur killing me with the NATIONAL ENQUIRER headlines!!! Everytime I come to this site my heart jumps n my throat, then I read on and go WHHEW!!
I'd donate a kidney in exchange for Pdiddy and my colts to get 2 more Super Bowl rings...That's LUV
by Bama Blue on Sep 8, 2011 5:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
From a Saints fan.
I was stunned and saddened to hear the news today. The entire Manning family is highly regarded in New Orleans. I hope nothing but the best for Peyton in the future.
Peyton Manning;
As a real COLTS fan I really do (seriously)! Pray for Peyton as a Man, Husband, and a Father, to come out of this ordeal in great shape for his family, And It would be great if he could go ahead with his career and play the game he loves FOOTBALL!! O-Yea to have Peyton leading the COLTS again would be the the GREATEST fringe benefits also!!! GO INDY COLTS!!!!!!!!!!
Speechless
Please IR him and for the love of God, let’s all stop pretending Bill Polian and the Colts front office deserve our respect anymore. I am with BBS on this, the Colts FO and their PR people have mismanaged this entire situation in so many ways it’s simply indefensible. Allowing PM to get knocked around with such a God awful line all these years, no viable backup plan (Kerry Collins brought in at the last minute?), to the endless PR shenanigans… the list just goes on and f*cking on. Isray if you have a brain cell left in that drug addled head, get rid of these guys. I am as diehard a Colts fan as anyone here, and I ALWAYS will be, with or without Peyton, but let’s not pretend our team doesn’t absolutely suck without PM. The blame is with the Polians.
by I throw, you catch, its not that hard on Sep 9, 2011 2:07 AM EDT reply actions
I will always be a Colts fan
No matter what
I feel for peyton. He had to of been in alot of pain to have surgery. Its going to be very weird not seeing him play. I hope the Colts as a team play a lil more consistent football and if everyone does what they are suppose to do then the Colts will be fine and if not then the Horse will have a great draft pick and hopefully peyton will be able to return.
Hes got a life outside of football and thats whats most important.
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