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Peyton Manning Says His Decision Is Coming Soon

PHOENIX, Ariz. (CBS4) - Speaking to reporters on Friday in Arizona, Peyton Manning said he's close to making his decision about whether he'll return to the NFL.

RELATED: 6 Guesses About When Peyton Manning Might Announce Retirement

The Broncos quarterback spoke to reporters after his acceptance speech for the Bart Starr Award, which is given to the NFL player who "best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community."

Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning (credit: CBS)

"I haven't made a decision. I'm still trying to take some time to evaluate some things, you know, to talk to some people. Obviously the Broncos have been quite busy hiring a staff. I have had some dialogue with Coach Kubiak and did have a chance to see him in person the other day. It was a chance for he and I to really get to know each other and I really enjoyed my visit with him," Manning said. "I'm not interested in making this a lingering thing. I'd like to make a decision soon. At the same time, both Coach and Joe (Ellis) and John (Elway) have instructed me to take some time and I'm kind of following their orders."

The main concern with Manning is his health. CBS4's Vic Lombardi asked Manning about if physically prepared for another season in the pros. Manning responded that he wants to make sure he's in good enough shape to give his team a chance.

Late in the season Manning suffered a strained quadricep and it may have played a role in his drop in production at season's end.

While some Broncos fans have concerns that Manning might not fit into the offensive scheme of new Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, Manning said otherwise when asked about it.

"I think I can run pretty much any offense aside from Tubby Raymond's Delaware Blue Hen Wing-T," he said.

Kubiak and Broncos general manager John Elway have both said they would welcome Manning back.

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