Thursday 10 May 2018 08:20, UK
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is considering an offer to join the ownership group bidding for the Carolina Panthers.
Billionaire Ben Navarro is seeking majority control over the franchise, which owner Jerry Richardson, who founded them in 1993, is seeking to sell after being placed under investigation by the NFL following allegations of misconduct.
It seems Navarro and Manning could team up as a partnership to take over the Panthers, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Manning retired from playing football in 2016 after he led the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 win against the Panthers.
Since leaving the field, Manning has been approached by television networks but is yet to take up an offer. He has rejected two high-profile broadcast roles from ESPN and Fox in the past few months.
Manning has won a record five NFL MVPs [most valuable player] and is a two-time Super Bowl winner, once with the Indianapolis Colts and with the Broncos.
Navarro has the backing from Richardson's son, Mark, who believes he is the right man for the team.
"I'm sure there are multiple people that could be the right next owner. I personally know Ben and I know what he stands for," Richardson told the Observer.
"I know where his heart and his head is, and what his commitments are. And I can't imagine a better person being the next owner than him."
The NFL requires the controlling owner to own at least 30 per cent of the equity in the club. At present the Richardson's own 48 per cent of the Panthers.
