As a quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, Peyton Manning will go down as one of the greatest players in NFL history, but he soon could be returning to the league, just not in a way you would immediately expect.

Manning last played in the NFL for the Broncos back in February 2016 at Super Bowl 50. Denver was able to defeat the Carolina Panthers on that day 24–10 to win the Vince Lombardi trophy, the second Super Bowl win of the quarterback's career.

However, since that game and his retirement, Peyton has kept himself away from the NFL spotlight, only returning back to the Colts to be inducted into their Ring of Honour last October. He has been offered lucrative offers to become a television analyst for ESPN and Fox, but he turned them down.

Now, however, at least according to one report, that could all be about to change, just not in the way you would expect.

No, Manning isn't returning to the field, but according to Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, billionaire Ben Navarro has reached out to the two-time Super Bowl winner about joining his ownership group that is bidding on the Panthers. Manning is reportedly still considering the offer to become a limited partner.

After an NFL career that lasted from 1998 to 2015, Manning certainly has the money to be a partner in the ownership of the Panthers. According to Forbes, Manning retired with $249 million in career football earnings and $400 million in total earnings, including endorsements.

The question now will be whether or not he wants to. One of the reasons why many believe he turned down broadcasting was because his interests lie more in being a team executive or a part-owner of an NFL team than a broadcaster.

Any team ran by Manning you would think would be a good step in the right direction of building a successful franchise, as the quarterback's success in the league over his 17-year career speaks for itself.

Manning finished his career with a record five MVP awards, two Super Bowls, and he holds the NFL records for the most passing yards and touchdowns in a single season and across a career.

While Manning's playing career is over, there's a chance his time in the NFL might not be.