Peyton says Jets didn't contact him about joining front office

Peyton Manning dispelled speculation Wednesday that he was a candidate to join the New York Jets' front office.

"I never heard anything from the Jets," the retired quarterback told Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. "Nobody ever contacted me. And I'm not sure I was qualified anyway."

The Jets were rumored to be eyeing Manning upon commencing their search for a new general manager. New York still hasn't found a replacement for Mike Maccagnan, leaving head coach Adam Gase to serve as the team's interim GM.

Manning and Gase have a relationship dating back to their days with the Denver Broncos when Gase was Manning's offensive coordinator. Manning often spoke highly of Gase, who's entering his first campaign as head coach of the Jets.

"I'm pulling for Adam," Manning said. "I think he can do a lot of good things for Sam Darnold. Adam helped me out a lot. I was a veteran quarterback, but I was kind of starting over again in some ways. In Denver, it was kind of my second chapter. I was playing in a new system and physically, I couldn't do certain things I used to. So I can kind of relate to what Sam is going through and learning a lot. Adam is a good teacher. He's a fundamentals guy, and I think (that) will serve Sam real well."

Manning has stayed connected to the NFL since retiring, and hosts a film breakdown show during the season that airs on ESPN+. He hasn't ruled out eventually running a team, but he's in no rush to transition to the front office.

"I'm kind of busy selling insurance right now (as a spokesperson for Nationwide), and our band is about to start our second tour with (Brad) Paisley, so that's keeping me busy right now," he said.

Manning retired after the 2015 season. Along with staying away from front offices, he's rejected numerous broadcasting offers.