Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has refused to confirm whether he will return for the 2015 season.
The 38-year-old put in a poor performance in his side's divisional-round defeat to the Indianapolis Colts as he struggled to throw the ball deep downfield, which highlighted issues surrounding his arm strength.
Manning is under contract with the Broncos for another two seasons and is due to earn $19m (£12.5m) in the next campaign. However, issues surrounding his health and the drop in level of his game could lead him to retire, which he did not rule out after his side's defeat.
"My mindset right now is just disappointment after [Sunday's] game," Manning told reporters. "I'm disappointed. I kind of need to process this game. We'll meet [Monday]. I'm disappointed I need to process this game."
Asked if he could definitely say he was planning to return to the Broncos next season, Manning added: "Uh, yeah, I guess I just can't give that simple answer. I'm processing it. I can't say that. I could not say that."
The loss was Manning's ninth defeat in the first game of his team's post-season, taking his overall playoff record to 11-13.
Simon Sinclair
