Peyton Manning was recently asked about potentially being the NFL commissioner someday, potentially taking over for Roger Goodell. He’s been linked to head coaching positions, ownership roles and now even the head of the entire league.
According to ProFootballTalk, the Hall of Fame quarterback was blunt:
“I’m not qualified, in my opinion.”
He joked:
“Roger looks a lot younger back in 2007 than he does now. And it hasn’t been that long ago.”
He continued, adding that he thinks Goodell has done a fine job with the NFL:
“He’s done a heck of a job. I’m not sure anybody wants to follow Roger Goodell as Commissioner. It’s like following John Wooden at UCLA. The bar has been set high. Roger takes criticism, certainly. But I think he’s done a great job.”
He reiterated that he doesn’t feel like he’s at all qualified:
“That’s just not something that’s on my radar. Specifically because I don’t think I’m qualified to do it.”
Many former NFL players go into coaching in some form. Others get into ownership. Not many have aspirations to run the entire league, though, and it seems Manning has no intention to do the commissioner’s job.
How much does Roger Goodell make as NFL Commissioner?
According to NBC Sports, Goodell made almost $64 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons. Evidently, much of that was due to bonuses for performance and other things.
He was recently greenlit for a new contract by the owners, with only Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dissenting. He is still under contract through 2024, but the ability to negotiate is now real.
He first became commissioner in 2006 and has remained in that role ever since. It doesn’t seem like he will step down or be replaced any time soon, either.
What’s next for Peyton Manning?
Since he has no plan to be the next NFL commissioner, Manning can do whatever else he wants. He’s currently one half of the popular Manningcast duo for certain Monday Night Football games.
He has expressed interest in owning a team and with the Washington Commanders potentially being sold soon, he could make a play for them.
