Peyton Manning is the face of the NFL. The NFL knew Peyton Manning would miss this entire season, and the news of the highest paid player contract was announced to give hope to NFL fans who order direct tv, nfl network, advertisers, etc that Peyton was fine. Then less than 5 days before the season its announced that Peyton won't be playing. Sounds like the NBA and Jordan. Feedback. Everyone knew this was going to happen in March and the NFL kept it a secret.