While the last four seasons of Manning’s storied career were spent in Denver, the vast majority of his career was spent as an Indianapolis Colt, where he played for 14 of his 18 seasons and became the franchise’s most prolific player.
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Quarterback Peyton Manning informed the Denver Broncos that he will retire, one month after his second career Super Bowl triumph bolstered his standing among the sport’s all-time-great quarterbacks. But Manning got the last laugh with a 20-18 victory over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Bronco fans quickly turned into Peyton fans four years ago, and now they have to say goodbye.
Since he was named as first overall pick by Indianaolis Colts back in 1998, Manning has been to 14 Pro Bowls, has been named and has been the league MVP a record five times.
But before that, Manning was a favorite son of the Tennessee Vols. From the moment he committed to the University of Tennessee in 1994 thanks to Phillip Fulmer and David Cutcliffe, Manning raised the expectations of Tennessee football. His seven touchdown throws and 462 yards – with no interceptions – against the defending Super Bowl champs kick-started a record-breaking season in which he threw for 55 touchdowns and 5,477 yards and lead Denver to its first Super Bowl appearance in 15 years. “I did not do what is alleged”, Manning said Monday.
Manning is also one of two quarterbacks to beat all 32 teams in the NFL.
With the retirement of Peyton Manning, the most vexing question facing the Denver Broncos centers on what to do with Brock Osweiler. “It was a treat as an ex-quarterback to see Peyton Manning prepare and play … he did revolutionize the game”.
Manning finishes his career having thrown for 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns.
“It was a blessing to coach Peyton Manning”, Broncos Coach Gary Kubiak said in a written statement. “But being with him this season, going through what we went through and accomplishing what we accomplished – that was special”.
One of the game’s most prolific passers, he was voted the NFL’s most valuable player a record five times.
“We have an unwavering love for the Broncos”, said season ticket-holder Buz Weisberg, his eyes glistening with tears.
Peyton Manning had done a lot in his young career up to this point, but this was the topper.
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Manning’s influence goes beyond what he did on the field for Indianapolis, though. I knew he felt like it was time, that he was ready to play, that he was in the right place. Although he said he had to cut short his post-Super Bowl interview to go kiss his wife, his first smooch actually went to John Schnatter, founder and CEO of Papa John’s, one of his biggest business partners.
