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The Last Rodeo?
As the confetti rained down, Peyton Manning raised the Lombardi Trophy high and basked in the glory of the second Super Bowl victory of his career. However, in the glory of victory lingered the question: What’s next?
Manning’s storied career has reached somewhat of an impasse after winning his second Super Bowl title, breaking multiple league and franchise records, and winning five league MVP awards.
What else is left for The Sheriff to accomplish in the league?
I believe this is the sheriffs last rodeo. Really hoping my all time favorite player goes out on top. pic.twitter.com/8FCu8ACTmw
— Evan Clay (@EvanClay_2) February 7, 2016
It is a good question when you consider everything he has done throughout his career. As the world wonders if this game might have been his last rodeo, Manning’s future is up in the air.
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What is Left In The Tank?
Manning might have two or three more seasons left in him where he can still be an effective passer in the NFL. He should retain most of the offensive weapons that he had this past season, and if the defense can repeat its dominant performance next season, Manning and the Denver Broncos could possibly even make another run at the Super Bowl.
The main challenge facing Manning next year will be staying healthy of course. He will be turning 40 this March and with the nagging injuries he faced last season, he will have an uphill battle to deal with when it comes to his health.
Peyton Manning "I may not lead the band anymore, but I can still play a few bars." Congratulations to the @Broncos on winning #SuperBowl50.
— EricWenger (@EricWenger) February 8, 2016
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Mentoring the Next Generation
Manning could also spend another year or two helping develop the Broncos’ likely quarterback of the future, Brock Osweiler. When Osweiler started in place of Manning earlier in the season, he showed some potential to be a franchise quarterback for the Broncos.
He really put his skills on display when he helped the Broncos hand the Patriots their first loss of the season. Although he did not put up eye-popping numbers, Osweiler helped the Broncos take control and showed his ability to lead his team to victory in critical games. With more guidance from Manning, Osweiler can become a top-tier NFL QB and lead the Broncos to a bright future.
The @Broncos are just the 3rd team to make a Super Bowl with 2 QBs starting at least 7 reg.-season games apiece: https://t.co/hQuef5I6Mq
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 2, 2016
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Going Out On Top
The best possible option for Manning would be to ride off into the sunset on the heels of his second world title. He is already a guaranteed first-ballot Hall of Famer who has accomplished just about everything an NFL player can accomplish in their career.
Other than helping in the development of Osweiler, there is not much left for him to do but add to his already legendary stats. Besides, he should walk away now while he can; Everyone knows how harmful the game of football can be on a player’s body. With Manning’s age, it would probably be safer just to hang up the cleats and close out his Hall of Fame career.
If this was it for Peyton Manning, he'll be going out in style, @YahooSchwab writes. https://t.co/jS1ZNr7v7Z
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 8, 2016
There has never been any doubt about the legacy Peyton Manning has left in the NFL, and with his second Super Bowl victory, his legend will only continue to grow.
No one truly knows what comes next for The Sheriff, but whatever he does, he will always be considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.
