Panthers: Manning considering ownership stake

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers talks with Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos on the field after Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers talks with Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos on the field after Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 24-10. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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According to reports, Peyton Manning may be considering a small ownership role with the Carolina Panthers…

The quarterback that crushed the hearts of Carolina Panthers fans during Super Bowl 50 is now considering an ownership stake in the very team he last defeated.

Peyton Manning, a future Hall of Fame quarterback who holds multiple NFL records and two Super Bowl rings, was a generational talent. Despite being considered the underdog against a nearly undefeated Panthers team during Super Bowl 50, Manning was able to orchestrate an upset for the ages with the help of an incredible defense.

Now retired, Manning has been contacted for broadcasting positions with ESPN and various sponsorship commercials but has systematically declined all offers despite being offered millions of dollars.

However, would Manning accept a small, small stake in an ownership group?

According to The Charlotte Observer, leading bidder and billionaire Ben Navarro has reached out to Manning about a potential stake. Manning has seemingly shied away from the thought of bright lights and national attention again, but would he be willing to take part in a small, behind-the-scenes part of the football world?

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Manning wouldn’t be the first to do so.

In the past, retired quarterbacks have proven themselves worthy of being an integral part of football organizations from the management standpoint. For example, John Elway, a Hall of Fame quarterback is deeply connected to the Denver Broncos. Under his leadership in their front office, Elway has been able to deliver a championship season while developing a consistently strong roster. Ironically, it was Elway who recruited Manning to Denver, bringing a championship to the Mile-High City.

Should Manning decide to pitch in with Navarro, it is expected that he would have a significantly smaller role with the Panthers than Elway does with the Broncos, but Manning could bring valuable information to the front office.

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Now with Manning’s name suddenly thrown into the mix, another chapter in the long saga for Panthers ownership begins.