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Manning provides timeline for retirement decision on 'TODAY Show'

Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning plans to follow the advice of one of his former coaches and not rush his retirement decision.

Manning joined "The TODAY Show" on Monday morning to discuss his Super Bowl win, and said Tony Dungy advised him to "take some time, get away with your family, reflect on what's occurred this past season, what's occurred in this Super Bowl, then take some time and make a calmer decision."

That's exactly what he plans to do.

"I'm going to follow my coach's advice," Manning said. "I'm going to enjoy this Super Bowl victory. I'm going to celebrate with my family, and I'll keep doing it for a few more weeks. And then at the appropriate time, I think I'll make a decision. ... Whatever the decision is, I'm at peace with it."

Manning also had kind words for Cam Newton and shared what the Carolina Panthers quarterback told him after the game.

"I'll tell ya, Cam couldn't have been nicer to me," he said. "He was extremely humble, congratulated me, wished me the best. I told him just congratulations on his outstanding season, and just what a great future he has ahead of him. He'll be back in that game, I can promise you."

Regardless of what he decides to do, those close to Manning believe he's played his last game in Denver. His father, Archie Manning, told ESPN's "Mike & Mike" on Thursday that his son "pretty much knows" that if he does return for another season, it won't be with the Broncos.

With Sunday's win, Manning became the oldest quarterback to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy at 39 years of age. It also marked the 200th win of his career, an NFL record.

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