Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has informed the team that he is retiring after an 18-year NFL career. The future Hall of Famer walks out of the NFL on top and leaves the sport as the only starting quarterback to win two Super Bowls with two different teams.
Manning has won a record five NFL MVP awards, and he is coming off a season in which he became the oldest quarterback to win the Super Bowl at 39 years old. He holds a plethora of NFL records and finished his career setting a few more, including becoming the NFL's career leader in all-time wins with 200.
"When you look at everything Peyton has accomplished as a player and person, it's easy to see how fortunate we've been to have him on our team," Broncos general manager John Elway said. "Peyton was everything we thought he was and even more - not only for the football team but in the community. I'm very thankful Peyton chose to play for the Denver Broncos, and I congratulate him on his Hall of Fame career."
Manning set multiple records in his four seasons in Denver, including setting single-season records in touchdowns (55) and in passing yards (5,477) in 2013. He leaves the game with the most Pro Bowl appearances (14) and as the NFL's all-time career leader in touchdowns (539), as well as in passing yards (71,940).
Manning's decision clears $19 million in cap room for the 2016 season, and the Denver's front office can now solely focus on retaining soon-to-be free agents Brock Osweiler and defensive lineman Malik Jackson. The Broncos have reportedly already made a "competitive offer" to Osweiler, and it will be interesting to see if Denver's front office will come with a bigger offer to keep him from testing the open market, now that Manning has informed the team of his retirement.
While the Broncos are looking to move forward past the Manning era, his teammates and coaches remember the hard working talented player that dominated the sport for so long. "It was a blessing to coach Peyton Manning," Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said. "Nobody worked harder at the game and nobody prepared harder than Peyton. His preparation was the best I've ever seen with how he went about his business."
"What he's done, man, he's the greatest," Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. Manning will now be included in the greatest to ever play the sport conversation, and many will try to rank his legacy with all-time greats like Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Lawrence Taylor, Johnny Unitas and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
No matter where you view Manning, there is no doubting that he is one of the greatest to ever play the game, and no one seemed to dissect the sport as well as he did, as he not only beat defenses with his arm, but with his football intelligence. Sunday's will seem a big quieter without Manning shouting out Omaha, but number 18 walks out on top as he finishes his career as a Super Bowl champion.
