Manning recovering from neck surgery

[March 04, 2010]  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Peyton Manning has spent 12 seasons being a pain in the neck of NFL opponents. Now the four-time league MVP is trying to alleviate the pain in his own neck.

The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that Manning had surgery in Chicago to fix a pinched nerve, a procedure that is not expected to interrupt Manning's offseason workouts or his availability for next season.

"This condition has existed intermittently for the past four years, but at no time did it interfere with his training, practice or playing regimen," the Colts said. "While it never has affected Peyton's activity on or off the field, the Colts' medical staff, after post-playoff examination, thought it best to resolve the situation now."

The Colts said Manning spent Tuesday night in the hospital and was released Wednesday.

"All medical personnel involved believe the issue has been resolved," the team said. "Peyton fully expects to participate in the Colts' offseason program this spring."

Manning has been a model of stability throughout his NFL career.

His streak of 210 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, is second all-time among NFL quarterbacks behind only Brett Favre. With Manning in charge, the Colts have made a league-high eight straight playoff appearances, reached the Super Bowl twice, winning it all in 2006, and set an NFL record with seven straight 12-win seasons.

Indy also set league records for most consecutive wins (23) and most wins in a decade (115) last season.

But it is the second time in three years Manning has needed offseason surgery.

In July 2008, Manning had surgery twice on his left knee because of an infected bursa sac. The injury caused Manning to miss all of training camp. He later acknowledged losing 10 pounds during his recuperation and that he struggled with his balance and stepping into throws until midseason that year.

Manning's contract expires after the 2010 season and Colts owner Jim Irsay wants to extend the deal, calling it his top offseason priority. Irsay has said he is prepared to make Manning the highest-paid quarterback in the league, but negotiations are not expected to kick into high gear until after the free-agent market opens Friday.

Manning won his record fourth MVP in 2009 but his late interception, returned for a touchdown by Saints' cornerback Tracy Porter, sealed the Colts' Super Bowl loss last month.

[Associated Press; By MICHAEL MAROT]

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