The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday. The Colts moved on from the veteran general manager after 10 years at the helm. This move came on the heels of a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans in Week 6.

For many fans, it was time to move on. The Colts didn’t make much progress during his stewardship of the franchise. There will be an extensive search for Ballard’s replacement, but one name has already emerged as a possibility.

NFL Fans React To Peyton Manning Report Amid Chris Ballard’s Firing

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning has been linked to the opening. This news prompted fans to rush to social media to share their reactions.

The Colts are reportedly interested in reaching out to Manning about the general manager job. This report came from analyst Dan Patrick, who mentioned this could be a way for the Hall of Famer to take an ownership stake in the team.

“The Colts’ first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning,” Patrick said on Monday’s edition of The Dan Patrick Show. “The call will not only get names and suggestions but the call will explore whether or not Peyton would be interested in being a General Manager of the Colts as an entry point that would include ownership interest in the Colts.”

"The Colts' first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning." — DP shares what his source has told him. pic.twitter.com/MgTbuJIxhW

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow)

Manning received public endorsements for the job from peers, including former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.

He is an iconic figure in Colts franchise history. Bringing him back could be a good way to re-establish the culture that made them an AFC powerhouse during Manning’s time with the team.

Fans on social media were quick to share their reactions to this report as the news cycle unfolded. Many questioned why the two-time Super Bowl champion would entertain the idea.

“Why would he want that job though? I feel like after they did him wrong and cut him he’s more just associated with the Broncos,” one fan wrote on Monday.

“He should stay far away from that job. Overbearing owner and no first round pick,” another fan said.

“Why would Peyton do this? He’s having too much fun in all his current gigs,” a third fan said.

Another said, “He’ll never do it. He still holds a grudge for being cut after all he did for this city…and I don’t blame him.”

The fans are referencing Manning’s departure from the team as a player. After undergoing multiple neck procedures that caused him to miss the entire 2011 season, the Colts released Manning ahead of the 2012 campaign. Indianapolis had the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and used it to select quarterback Andrew Luck.

Another fan tweeted, “Have you not seen how much he goes out of his way to represent the broncos over the colts sense they did him dirty? I love it as a bronco fan but sometimes I’m a little surprised how little he does for the Colts.”

Manning went on to sign with the Denver Broncos that offseason. He played four seasons in Denver, making two trips to the Super Bowl. He won Super Bowl 50 with Denver, which also served as the final game of his illustrious career.

Ballard’s time as Colts general manager had more downs than ups. Indianapolis made the playoffs twice during Ballard’s nine-plus seasons as GM. They won one of three playoff games in those two appearances. During Ballard’s tenure with Indianapolis, the Colts went 72-82-1 in the regular season.