Broncos QB Peyton Manning "has expressed an interest in owning and operating an NFL team, something well known throughout the league, and is interested in pursuing a second career along the lines" of Broncos Exec VP/Football Operations John Elway, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSPORTS.com. Manning "remains close" to Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam III after the two "spoke frequently in the past about potential ownership" of the Titans prior to Haslam purchasing the Browns. Sources believe that the Titans "could end up on the market at some point" in '15. Some believe that the Titans "could fetch" upwards of $2B. Haslam "is likely to approach Manning again about such an option should he end his playing days, and Manning's interest in ownership is not lost on potential Titans buyers as well." Sources said that FedEx Chair & CEO and Redskins Minority Owner Fred Smith "has strong interest in the Titans." Smith "has long been seen as a leading candidate to own his own team, and would leap at the chance to bid for the Titans." Steelers investor David Tepper, with an estimated wealth of more than $10B is "also viewed by the league office as a strong potential owner." Manning "will be heavily courted by various media outlets as well, but many close to him believe the opportunity to have an ownership stake in a team, and help control its operation, strikes closer to his ultra-competitive core, and it's something he could quickly transition into." Sources said that Manning "has not expressed an intent one way or the other to the Broncos" (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/14).
