Wouldn’t it be nice to be a fly on the wall when Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay finally sit down and come to a resolution as to the future of No. 18 as an Indianapolis Colt?  On Thursday, the news broke that Manning has been medically cleared to resume his NFL career.  That announcement firmly places the ball in the court of the Colts’ owner as to whether or not Manning returns to Indy next season as the starting quarterback.  According to Manning, he expects to have a sit down with Irsay sometime shortly after the Super Bowl.  The majority of the media has already concluded that Manning will not return to the Colts in 2012 based on the situation and previous comments from both parties involved.  Nothing will be made official until after the two sides meet.  Let’s go ahead and cut to the chase.  Here is how the conversation between Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay will unfold.

Irsay:  I’m in one hell of a predicament with this decision.  If I keep you I owe you $28 million dollars but if I let you go it will probably be the biggest mistake of my life.

Manning: Well Jim, you know how I feel.  If you want me as a part of this team I’m here, but if you don’t, I’ll walk away.

(Irsay sighs)

Irsay: We’re going to take the kid out of Stanford with the first pick.  How do you see your relationship unfolding with him if you stay?

Manning: I’d like to think that it’s a win-win situation.  The organization would have its quarterback of the future, I can remain a Colt and mentor him for the next couple of seasons and retire with dignity after that. Andrew Luck could learn a lot by watching from the sidelines over the next couple of seasons.

(Irsay massages his head)

Irsay: Would you be willing to back him up if we decided to take the team in a different direction with you on the roster?

Manning: If I am healthy then I fully expect to start.  If not here, then somewhere else.

Irsay: I was afraid of that. Would you be willing to restructure your deal to a lesser amount?

Manning:  If the money will be used to bring in young talent to help rebuild this roster so that we can compete for a Super Bowl next year then yes with me as the starting quarterback then yes.

Irsay: I’ve changed General Managers and coaches; friendship and emotions aside, why would I bring you back next season?

Manning: 6-5, 230lb quarterback with a laser rocket arm.

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Irsay: Yeah, I remember the commercial but unfortunately that was then and this is now.  The fact of the matter is that I’m a businessman and the NFL is a multibillion dollar business.  Now in this multibillion dollar business, it’s my job to take the biggest piece of the pie that I can and to do that I’ve got to make moves that are in the best interest of the Colts.  What you did for our organization will likely never be duplicated in the league again, and for that, I’m grateful.  But the fact of the matter is that you’re a good hit away from being knocked out of the game forever and that’s a risk I can’t take no matter what the cost, but especially at $28 million. From a business perspective it just doesn’t make sense.  Besides, given our current state of affairs we have a long road ahead of us before we are ready to contend again.  So the question becomes whether I want to begin that journey in a 77 Cutlass Supreme or a 2012 Cadillac CTS?

Manning:  Well Jim it seems as if your mind is already made up so why don’t we go ahead and call a spade a spade.

Irsay stands up and extends his hand to Manning. Manning grips Irsay’s hand firmly and looks him dead in the eye.

Irsay: No hard feelings?

Manning: Nope. It is what it is but just know that this was a mistake because there’s a lot of football and fight left in me.

Irsay: Fair enough.

The two part ways leaving the biggest question of the offseason as, “Where does Peyton Manning go next?”  Only time will tell…

You can follow Aaron on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ @Da_Bear_Truth or email him directly at amoon@thepenaltyflagblog.com.

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