Colts Legend Peyton Manning Sends a Strong Message After Watching Daniel Jones’ Dominant Run – “Sign Him to a Lifetime Deal, He’s the Missing Piece of the Colts” – The Team’s Response Leaves Fans Restless
Colts Legend Peyton Manning Sends a Strong Message After Watching Daniel Jones’ Dominant Run – “Sign Him to a Lifetime Deal, He’s the Missing Piece of the Colts” – The Team’s Response Leaves Fans Restless
Indianapolis, Indiana – When a legend like Peyton Manning speaks, the entire NFL listens. And this week, the greatest player in Indianapolis Colts history sent shockwaves across the league after delivering a passionate message to the team’s front office – specifically GM Chris Ballard – following Daniel Jones’ incredible breakout season.
Jones has been nothing short of spectacular in 2025: a 7–1 record, 17 touchdowns, just 3 interceptions, and a completion rate north of 68%. Once written off in New York, he has now become the heartbeat of Indianapolis — and perhaps, the long-awaited successor to the Colts’ quarterback throne since Manning’s era.

During an appearance on ESPN’s Manning Cast, Peyton didn’t hold back when asked about the Colts’ success this season. His words were as powerful as they were emotional:
“I’ve seen a lot of quarterbacks come and go in Indianapolis since I left, but Daniel Jones is different. He’s got what this franchise has been missing for nearly a decade — poise in the pocket, field vision, and the ability to make his teammates believe in the impossible. If I were Chris Ballard, I wouldn’t wait until the offseason. I’d sign him to a lifetime deal right now — because he’s the missing piece that can take the Colts to the Lombardi stage again.”

Manning’s statement instantly went viral, with thousands of Colts fans rallying behind his message. NFL analysts echoed the sentiment, saying this might be “the first time Peyton Manning has openly endorsed a successor in Indianapolis.”
When asked about the comment, Daniel Jones smiled humbly and responded:
“If someone like Peyton Manning believes in you, that means you’re doing something right. But my focus stays on one thing — winning football games and bringing the Colts back to the Super Bowl.”
Later that evening, GM Chris Ballard was asked whether the team would consider a long-term deal for Jones. His answer didn’t confirm nor deny — but it was enough to keep fans buzzing across Indianapolis:
“Time will tell. But let’s just say Peyton’s words haven’t gone unnoticed.”
With the Colts sitting atop the NFL standings, the question isn’t whether Daniel Jones is “the guy” — it’s how soon Indianapolis will lock down the quarterback who just might carry the franchise back to glory.











