An emotional Peyton Manning took to the podium one last time at Dove Valley to deliver a retirement speech that reflected on not only his almost two decades in the NFL, but on his reverence for the game of football and the fans who he said make the game, “remarkable”.
Advertisement
Manning retires as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns (539), passing yards (71,940) and quarterback wins (186, tied with Brett Favre).
“I hope he knows that I have stayed at it, and hopefully he’s a little proud of it”, Manning said.
“I just saw that he wasn’t the same quarterback that he’s been, even from the year before”.
Oh well, the close brothers will have plenty of time to catch up now that Peyton retired Monday after an 18-year National Football League career.
Manning made his first public comments since the retirement announcement at the Broncos team headquarters before an invitation-only group of teammates, family and friends. So, you don’t have to wonder if I miss it. “Absolutely I will”, Manning shared.
Eli suspected, as many did, that Super Bowl 50 might be Peyton’s final game.
In an interview posted on the Giants’ official website, Eli Manning remembered the influence his older brother had on his own career and the game in general.
He was among the athletes cited in a lawsuit filed by a group of former female students who are suing the University of Tennessee over its handling of sexual assault complaints made against student-athletes.
The 5-time MVP awardee leaves the sport boasting of 14 Pro-Bowl selections and Super Bowl titles with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos.
“Peyton was everything we thought he was and even more – not only for the football team, but in the community”. He used every asset God gave him to be the best QB he could be.
“It is sad that some people don’t understand the truth”, Manning said. After the Colts released him, he signed with Denver in 2012, where he played four seasons and won Super Bowl 50.
Manning concluded his prepared remarks with: “God bless all of you and God bless football”.
Advertisement
As one of the greatest players ever, Manning will be welcomed with open arms by any network if he chooses to pursue a career in broadcasting.
