Report: Desire to avoid Eli's games helped keep Peyton Manning out of booth

It appears Peyton Manning's hesitancy to broadcast games featuring his brother Eli was part of the reason the NFL legend turned down offers to join a network booth this season.

Sources told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post that Peyton's desire to avoid games involving his brother was so strong that FOX planned to work to ensure the New York Giants didn't play on Thursday night this year if the elder Manning signed a contract.

He ultimately decided against the move for this season, despite reportedly receiving very lucrative offers.

Sources told Marchand that ESPN offered Manning the same $6.5 million salary as Jon Gruden for the 20-game Monday Night Football schedule, while FOX was willing to give the 42-year-old a four-year deal worth $16 million for the 11-game Thursday Night Football package.

It seems Manning will always be coveted for an analyst job, but recent developments suggest he will probably wait until Eli has retired before taking a spot in a booth.