Peyton Manning tells David Letterman he's not a fan of on-field microphones

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) has become famous for his vocal play-calling at the line of scrimmage. (John W. McDonough/SI) Most quarterbacks can be

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) has become famous for his vocal play-calling at the line of scrimmage. (John W. McDonough/SI)

Most quarterbacks can be heard shouting out plays at the line of scrimmage, but none are more renowned for their pre-snap theatrics than Peyton Manning.

The Denver Broncos signal-caller has become the target of countless jokes throughout his career regarding his over-the-top antics at the line, but it's not a joking matter to the 13-time Pro Bowler -- at least in some respects.

During his appearance Monday night on The Late Show with David Letterman, Manning said he's not a fan of the on-field microphones and would like to see them removed.

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"I don't like it. I'm not a fan of it because it reveals terminology the other opponent you're going to play next week can use," Manning said. "I don't like Bill Belichick hearing our plays that we're using. ... I think you've got to get up there and say some really negative things about the commissioner, Roger Goodell, you know. 'Blue 20, blue 20, Roger Goodell is a no-good you-know-what,' and I think they'll just kind of turn that volume down."

While Manning ended the sentiment with a joke, he did appear to be serious in regards to his dislike for the overbearing mics. At the very least, his initial reaction to Letterman's question confirms that Manning has spent far too much time in recent months answering questions about his now-famous "Omaha!" audibles.

That said, given the extremely sophisticated technology all of the league's broadcast partners employ, it's hard to believe rival coaches wouldn't put special focus on Manning's cadence even if on-field television microphones didn't pick it up.