Report: Peyton Manning Increased Value Of Colts Franchise By $233 Million Over Career

Peyton Manning helped increase the Indianapolis Colts value by $233 million, according to Forbes.com. It was reported yesterday that the team plans on releasing the four-time Most Valuable Player in an effort to avoid paying him a $28 million roster bonus he is due this season.

Forbes reports that when the Colts selected Manning No. 1 overall in 1998, the team was worth an NFL-worst $277 million. Today they are worth $1.1 billion, making them the 11th most valuable franchise in the league. Forbes calculates that the average NFL team has increased in value by 263% since 1998, however the Colts have grown by 366%. According to them, this means that had the team grown at the median rate of the league, they would be worth $233 million less.

Manning missed the entirety of 2011 after undergoing neck surgery prior to the season, as a result, the team tied for an NFL worst 2-14 record. Reports indicate that he is expected to play in 2012, however, and does not intend to retire.