Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning has been busy this offseason. With stops at college campuses around the country, speaking engagements for his foundation, and preparation for the next NFL season, Manning could never be accused “slowing down.”

In fact, in an interview with The Associated Press, Manning talked about his recent visits to retiring stars Derek Jeter and David Letterman, as well as why he’s not ready to hang up the cleats just yet.

“Sometimes I sort of kick back and I pause and I think what sorts of things would I miss the most if I wasn’t playing,” Manning said.

“Being in the huddle. That’s what I missed most when I was injured, I’ll say that. I mean, there’s no other type of unity or bond that I think any other job can provide. I know there are meetings, there are video conferences. But that huddle, because of where it takes place: it’s often on the road, in the middle of the field, in front of 80,000 people, it’s unique.

“When you don’t play football anymore, you can broadcast, you can coach, you can be in management, whatever, but you are not allowed to go into the huddle anymore. That huddle is just for players. You can go into the locker room after the game and you can speak to the team, but I think any retired player would probably tell you they miss the huddle.”

His most recent stop took him to Eastern Tennessee, where he spoke highly of Butch Jones and the University of Tennessee football program, saying he’s a big “Butch Jones fan” and that the Tennessee program is heading “in the right direction.”

His stop included more than football, however. He spoke in Knoxville for the annual Go Red For Women campaign, an event that is held every year by the American Heart Association with the goal of preventing heart disease among women.

“I really enjoy coming back to Knoxville. It is an honor for me to be here for such an important cause,” said Manning, as reported by 6 News in Knoxville.

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