The retirement rumors surrounding Peyton Manning started even before the Denver Broncos made it to the Super Bowl 50. In fact, the rumors began way back when the Brock Osweiler squad was still struggling to make it to the playoffs. Despite the speculations regarding his future, Manning opted to keep mum until the time is right for him to comment. Moreover, the greatest rival of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady seemingly chose to share his plans once his teammates have settled down from the Super Bowl 50 win they achieved.
With the excitement almost gone in the Denver Broncos locker room, it looks like Manning is gradually preparing his team and the front office for his imminent departure. While he played impressively and even at par with Cam Newton during the team's face off against the Carolina Panthers, the 39-year-old quarterback is known to be struggling with injuries. Moreover, his 29 years in the football field have undoubtedly inflicted so much suffering to his body and mind. Hence, sources are claiming that the Super Bowl 50 is truly the "last rodeo" of Manning.
"His Bronc riding days are over; the last rodeo is done," shared Woody Paige of the Denver Post, referring to the retirement of the Denver Broncos quarterback. He added, Peyton Manning is saying goodbye; it's been lots of fun."
Paige further noted, "According to two sources, Manning will acknowledge his decision by the end of this week. It's implausible that Manning would opt to sign with another team for one season."
The news was also confirmed by other networks who claim to have been in touch with sources close to the matter. According to Fox Sports, "the Broncos are proceeding with contract negotiations with other players without counting Manning and his $19 million salary on their books for salary cap purposes."
Amid these reports, the Denver Broncos have yet to comment officially on the matter and confirm the retirement of Manning from the team. John Elway, the general manager of the NFL team, shared that the Super Bowl 50 champs are more than willing to give the veteran quarterback all the time he needs to mull over his decision.
"I met with Peyton a couple nights ago and we had a good talk," shared Elway via NFL.com. He added, "As I said after the game, we'll give him as much time as he needs. He still needs some more time so we're going to afford him that time. He deserves it after 18 years in this league."
Meanwhile, fans have been speculating on the plans of Manning following his rumored retirement from the league. Since the veteran quarterback has been quite open about his dedication to his faith and family, it comes as no surprise that the Denver Broncos star is expected to spend more time with his children and wife. He is also anticipated to continue with his charitable activities.
"[I] committed my life to Christ, and that faith has been most important to me ever since," said Manning in his book, "Manning," via Patheos.com. He added, "Some players get more vocal about it-the Reggie Whites, for example-and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don't do it, and don't think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don't want to be more of a target for criticism than I already am."
In a report by Christian Post, Manning shared how he aims to become a good role model to those who look up to him. He said, "I just want to make sure that I represent God the right way before these young men, so that they can see what a husband looks like, what a man looks like, what a dad looks like, and have God glorified from that."
