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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a breaking story, and will be updated accordingly.
In what should come as no big surprise to most NFL observers, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has decided to retire, and will make a formal announcement on Monday.
This is according to Denver Post sports columnist and regular ESPN analyst Woody Paige:
Peyton Manning will retire and ride off into the sunset. Latest column: https://t.co/9GM4p8rUSd pic.twitter.com/eJe2i8e7ZI
— Woody Paige (@woodypaige) February 28, 2016
Following the Broncos’ 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, where Manning picked up his second Super Bowl ring in spite of a subpar performance, the speculation began almost immediately as most wondered if Manning would follow in the footsteps of Broncos legend John Elway and walk away in the best possible way.
Manning, the leader among all active quarterbacks in passing yardage, touchdowns, attempts, and completions, will be calling time on a career that has seen him under center at just two teams.
Taken with the first pick of the 1998 draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Manning’s career was not without hiccups, and his bumpy rookie season was proof positive, as he set career lows in yardage for a 16-game season and threw more interceptions (28) than touchdowns (26) – a feat that would not be repeated until 2015.
Following that season, Manning proved to be a quick study, and between 1999 and 2015, his teams were not involved in postseason play just twice – in 2001 and in 2011, when Manning sat out the entire season with a lingering neck injury.
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Along the way, he led the Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears before the climax of Super Bowl 50 this February. All told, Manning will retire with the following career marks:
- 2-time Super Bowl champion (1 each with the Colts and Broncos)
- 1-time Super Bowl MVP
- NFL career passing touchdowns (539) and yardage leader (71,940)
- 4-time AFC champion (2 each with the Colts and Broncos)
- 5-time NFL MVP
- 14-time Pro Bowler
- 7-time first team All Pro
- 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year
A whole host of other individual accolades follow, but those are the numbers that will be brought up the most in discussing Manning’s glittering career and mark left behind on the NFL.
More on this story, including further analysis and commentary on Manning’s impact and legacy in the NFL, as it develops. Stay tuned to The All Out Sports Network for further updates.
