National Football League

Dad: Manning wants to stay in Indy

Published Jan. 16, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Archie Manning said his middle son, Peyton Manning, would prefer to stay in Indianapolis to continue his career as a Colt, but before any decision is made he has to recover from neck surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season.

"Peyton kind of likes his roots in Indy," Archie Manning said.

"We'll see what happens there. If that doesn't work and he can get healthy we'll see. That'll all work out. He's just trying to get healthy."

The Colts have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft and speculation is they will select quarterback Andrew Luck of Stanford.

It is possible the Colts could trade Manning, and the New York Jets are among the teams that could be interested in acquiring the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Asked specifically whether he would like to see Peyton with the Jets, the elder Manning said, "I'm not going to get into that."

Archie said Peyton is focused solely on his rehab.

"He's got a great attitude," Manning said. "He's just fighting and scratching, trying to get healthy. We'll see what happens."