NFL

Peyton Manning passes physical, cleared to play in 2014

By Lindsay H. Jones

USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos' Peyton Manning watches from the bench during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl XLVIII football game against the Seattle Seahawks Feb. 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J.

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning passed a medical examination on his surgically repaired neck Monday and is now fully cleared to play in 2014, a person informed of Manning's exam told USA TODAY Sports.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not released the medical information.

The exam was a formality that was stipulated in the contract he signed with the Broncos in 2012. Manning's $20 million salary for 2014 became guaranteed when he passed an exam similar to last year's. The money could have only been voided should doctors discovered new damage to his neck or deterioration that occurred during the 2013 season.

There was little doubt that Manning would pass this physical.

He had no issues with his neck in 2013 — a season in which he threw for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns (both NFL records), won his record fifth NFL MVP award and led the Broncos to Super Bowl XLVIII.