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Recent reports regarding the NFL’s intention to interview players implicated by the Al Jazeera PED documentary omitted reference to retired quarterback Peyton Manning. Some (me) thought this arose simply from the fact that Manning is no longer a member of the NFL Players Association, and thus not part of the push-and-pull and back-and-forth between the NFL and the NFL Players Association as the interviews are arranged.

On Monday, Peter King of TheMMQB.com dropped this intriguing nugget into his column when addressing recent developments in the PED probe: “As for Peyton Manning, since he’s retired, the league doesn’t plan to interview him—though for the sake of transparency and full disclosure, it would be a good idea if the league did.”

Via email, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told PFT that all players will be interviewed, including the retired one.

It makes sense, for a variety of reasons. First, it’s the right thing to do. Second, it would be awkward if, for example, the NFL found that the Al Jazeera report was credible as to the active players but had no ultimate comment on whether the report accurately implicated the retired player.

Third, Manning already has said he’ll cooperate. With many believing that Manning eventually will return to the NFL as an executive with a team, there can be no loose ends from his playing days.

Of course, Manning sitting for an “it’s all lies” investigation is a far cry from a full-blown, turn-every-rock effort to obtain all relevant records from the Guyer Institute regarding treatment provided both to Manning and to his wife, Ashley, who allegedly received HGH for use by Peyton. It remains to be seen whether the league seeks such details, or whether the Mannings will provide it.

Regardless of how the investigation plays out, it will include an interview of Peyton Manning. Beyond that, time will tell.