“Peyton Manning revolutionized the game”, Broncos general manager and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway said.
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One comment from Manning that day still resonates: “And as I go, I go with just a few words left to say, a few words I want to address to Colts fans everywhere”.
Manning, who capped his brilliant career by helping the Broncos win a Super Bowl last month, told a news conference in Denver. Manning’s recall of defenses, situations and plays – he once gave detailed descriptions of the scoring plays of every player who caught just one touchdown pass from him – was the stuff of football legend.
He also won a championship with two different franchises – the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts – giving him as many Super Bowl rings (two) as Eli has.
Like he said he would do after the Super Bowl, Peyton took his time and did not make an emotional decision.
He played his final four seasons in Denver but his prime came during the 14 years he spent in Indianapolis where he led the Colts to two Super Bowls berths, winning the big game in the 2006 campaign. “I know it was tough for him, but I’m proud of the way he handled today”.
Manning played college football for the University of Tennessee.
After Peyton Manning announced he was going to retire from the National Football League, his brother and ESPN posted a touching tribute video.
But overall, Monday’s focus was on an unprecedented football career and best wishes for whatever’s next for the well-liked player. I have fought the good fight. “I think it is sad that some people don’t understand the truth and the facts, and I did not do what has been alleged, and I’m not interested in re-litigating something that happened when I was 19 years old”.
“There were other players who were more talented, but there was no one who could outprepare me”, he said Monday.
He is the league’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, passing yards and wins. “I don’t throw as good as I used to, don’t run as good as I used to, but I have always had good timing”.
But he wound up transitioning to a new city, and in four years they won 50 games, four division titles, made it to two Super Bowls and won one.
Team president Joe Ellis had fond things to say of Manning, specifically focusing on what he was like outside of the confines of a game or practice. In the old days, we’d get the snap, we’d read the coverage on the way back (in the pocket).
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Coach Gary Kubiak recounted Manning’s journey through six weeks of rehab and his return to the field in leading Denver to a comeback victory over the Chargers in the regular-season finale that secured the AFC’s top seed.
