Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has always taken the Pro Bowl very seriously. He's played it in 11 times, an NFL record, and he even played in it after the 2010 season, months before four neck surgeries would keep him out of the 2011 NFL season altogether.
But he won't be playing in Arizona's all-star game this year. His torn/strained quad will keep him out of it.
"It's a great honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl, and I've always taken the obligation to play in it very seriously," Manning told The Denver Post. "I've believed that, if healthy, it's a player's responsibility to play in the game because of what it means to be voted in by your peers and the fans.
"I'm disappointed that I'm just not healthy enough this year to be part of it. It's going to be tough not being down there with the other guys, but it hasn't had enough time to heal."
Manning tore his quad late in the 2014 season, an injury which caused severe bruising that spread to the back of his leg, according to ESPN. Manning informed the league of his decision Sunday, according to the Denver Post.
Manning's decision to stay away from the Pro Bowl isn't surprising - players play through injuries for regular season and postseason games all the time, then decide that the NFL's all-star game isn't worth pushing through the injury again.
Plus, sitting out of the Pro Bowl will keep Manning out of the spotlight as he mulls his decision to retire or come back another year. Heal well, Sheriff.