The answer was a resounding no.
“My body tapped me on the back and said, ‘That it, bud — you’re done,’” the long snapper said.
And so, Friday, Mannelly, the longest-tenured player in the NFL last season and in Bears history, announced his retirement.
Mannelly played 245 games over 16 seasons, both Bears records. He had offseason hip surgery and rehabilitated before making a decision.
At issue was his hip, which bothered him for the last half-dozen years and required offseason surgery. His knee, elbow and shoulders ached, too.
“Being older, it’s tough to get going every day,” he said. “I feel 39 years old.”
The answer came during a two-week stint in April rehabbing his hip in San Diego. His family was back in Chicago, so he had time to think.
“It was almost like a weight came off my shoulders,” he said.