I thought he was going to be washed up, but I knew I was wrong when he lead the Broncos on a field goal scoring drive against the Texans when they only had one deep safety on one play, and both safeties up on the rest. He never threw deeper than 7 or 8 yards, one of the best defenses in the game expected that and played against it, and he still picked them apart. He may have the greatest football mind ever. He can deal with a little less arm strength.
Bron left 15 mil on the table. I can't remember the last player in his prime to do that. The rest of the guys you mentioned were in their twilight years. If Harbaugh wasn't willing to put aside his ego for a good chance to win the Superbowl you have to question how smart he is. However I think it came down to money and Peyton could get more of it with the broncos. As long as he makes it through this year and his neck isn't hurt he is guaranteed another 40 mil. So essentially he is getting guaranteed almost 60 mil. I don't even know if Drew Brees is guaranteed that much.
I was one of the few believers that he would return to the NFL in pro-bowl form, he's such a great player between the ears that even with a little drop off in arm strength and passing control, he's still knows his limits ... but can more times than not make the right play. As great as many QBs are nowadays, it's still rarity to find one who can completely out think and outmaneuver the defensive coordinator on the other side. It's funny how many detractors kept overlooking the mental aspect of the game, especially when it comes to one of the most cerebral positions in sports.
True, but he's also the highest paid basketball player in the world on endorsements alone, outside of Kobe Bryant. So, it's not like he was going to be hurting for cash. If you put the NBA salaries of the 3rd and 4th highest paid player together ... I think it only equals what Lebron made the last few years from endorsements.
