Peyton Manning announces retirement after 18 seasons
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 18 seasons, five MVP trophies, and two Super Bowl titles.
"There's something about 18 years, 18 is a good number, and today I retire from professional football," said an emotional Manning in a press conference Monday.
He fought back tears as he recapped his illustrious career.
"I revere football. I love the game," he said. "So you don't have to wonder if I'll miss it. Absolutely. Absolutely I will."
While Manning will retire a Bronco, he'll always be known for his 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, with whom he won four of five MVP trophies and the first of his two Super Bowl titles, beating the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
"Thank you to the Indianapolis Colts organization and all the fans across this country," Manning said. "You can't fathom how much I enjoyed my 14 years there or the warmth that my family feels for you."
The 39-year-old also took the time to thank some of the players and opponents he faced during his near two decades in the league.
"I'll miss figuring out blitzes with Jeff Saturday. Reggie (Wayne) sitting on top of the bench next to me," said Manning. "Perfecting a fake handoff to Edgerrin James. I'll miss Demaryius Thomas telling me that he loved me and thanking me for coming to Denver after every touchdown I threw to him.
"I'll miss putting in a play with Tom Moore and Adam Gase that ends in a touchdown on Sunday. On Fridays I'll miss picking out the game balls with my equipment guys. Talking football with the broadcast crews and afterwards I'll miss recapping the game with my dad. And checking to see if the Giants won and calling Eli (Manning) as we're both on our team buses."
Manning joked that even fans of the New England Patriots should miss him "because they sure did get a lot of wins off of me."
He was never the most physically gifted player in the league, especially in his final seasons, when his arm strength began to wane following multiple neck surgeries. However, Manning was known as one of the most studious and intelligent players to ever step foot on an NFL field.
"There were other players who were more talented but there was no one (who) could out-prepare me and because of that I have no regrets," he said.
Manning will walk away from the game holding nearly every significant passing record, the most impressive of which are arguably the single-season passing touchdown record (55) and most career passing touchdowns (539).
"Well, I've fought a good fight. I've finished my football race and after 18 years, it's time," added Manning. "God bless all of you and God bless football."