It was a shock to everyone in the Denver Broncos organization. When head coach Gary Kubiak got the call, even he was shocked. But it has happened. Peyton Manning has announced his retirement from the NFL. There was speculation over the past two weeks that Manning would want to come back for one more season.
Many NFL players showed their respect for Peyton and wished him luck in the future. Tom Brady was asked about how he felt about the news. As many may know, Brady and Manning had a rivalry that will outlast both of their legacies. So it only made sense to here what Brady had to say about it. “The way he played football, and the way he was consumed by football, all that mental energy he had to use, and I mean everyday of the year you are thinking about it, imagine what he must have felt like with all that pressure off,” Brady said. When Peter King of Sports Illustrated asked Brady what it would be like without playing against Peyton, Brady responded by saying “That part sucks. That part really sucks. That part will always suck.” Broncos General Manager and former Broncos legend himself John Elway spoke on the subject too. “Peyton is everything we thought he was and even more. Not only for the football team but for the community. I’m very thankful Peyton chose to play for the Denver Broncos and I congratulate him on his Hall of Fame career.” Probably the most prominent figure to talk about this news (for better or worse) is NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Peyton Manning’s extraordinary career was driven by his talent, an incredible work ethic, and an unwavering desire to be the best and ended so perfectly for him with a Super Bowl victory.”So after one phone call, Peyton’s 18 year long NFL career is over. He is retiring at the age of 39. As of now, he will retire as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns (539), passing yards (71,940), and quarterback wins (tied with Brett Favre for 186).
All ended well for Peyton Manning, who was able to wrap up his last season with a Super Bowl victory. And now he bows out. The game will be different without Peyton Manning in it, and he will remained tied with the Broncos organization as a key figure. Congrats to him on an 18 year long NFL career and to his future endeavors.