Bill Polian knows a thing or two about football. He also knows a thing or two about Peyton Manning.
Which is why the former Indianapolis Colts general manager and Hall of Famer was confident in his assertion to SiriusXM NFL Radio that Manning (if he should choose to retire) could immediately make the transition to a front-office role:
"I believe he could very quickly fill the role that John Elway fills with the Broncos. The reason I say that is, during our 14 years together in Indianapolis, he would often discuss with me prospects coming out in the draft, SEC players he'd seen, players he'd seen in other parts of the country. He pays close attention to the rosters of the other players in the league, with specific attention to the AFC.
He knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player on every defense in the AFC and many on offense, because he met them and got to know them at the Pro Bowl and soaked up information. He is a football nerd, as am I. He's more than prepared to do that job.
All he would need would be a brief tutorial on the league rules and things like the general terms of trades and contract language -- of which he's also very familiar, because of his own contract. He's well-prepared to do that. He could step right from the playing field into a role like that, because he's ready. I don't know that he will, but if someone wanted him to do it, he would be ready immediately to do it."
So while The Sheriff's next move is yet to be determined -- on account of needing to throw back some beers with his teammates and take his family to Disneyland -- it is clear he has some options.
(H/T coachingsearch.com)