After the Denver Broncos dominated Super Bowl 50, a moment which many media outlets referred to as the last game in Peyton Manning's professional career, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson drafted a letter to thank his NFL role model.
In a short yet very touching letter posted on The Players' Tribune, Wilson detailed the achievements of Manning throughout his career. But, apart from these, the greatest moment that Wilson will always remember was participating in Manning's quarterback camp when he was only in 10th grade.
Wilson even posted a picture of himself while in the camp surrounded by other teens looking to become professional athletes.
According to the 27-year-old Seahawks star, through Manning's teachings, his passion for the game deepened and he learned the value of hard work, discipline and respect for others.
"You inspired me to work hard," he wrote. "To be disciplined. To be respectful. To take notes. You inspired me to love the process. To love the sweat. To love the tears."
"But most of all, you inspired me to love the game. Thanks, Peyton," he continued.
Wilson's letter, titled "If This is It," is in reference to what many are calling as the retirement of Manning.
Although the 39-year-old athlete has already hinted that the Broncos' win at Super Bowl 50 might be his last game with the NFL, he said that there's still a chance that he might come back. According to the Washington Post, Manning plans to spend the offseason getting medical check-ups.
Specifically, the site said that he will visit a neurologist to see if he can still play next year. But, whatever he decides on, he doesn't have much time to think about it for about a month from now, the start of the new league will officially begin. That means that by March 9, if he confirms that he will still play for the Broncos next season, then his $19 million base salary will be finalized.
However, as CBS Sports pointed out, keeping Manning as an active player on the roster could end up as a risky move for the Broncos given his performance last season. Despite winning this year's Super Bowl, Manning missed a total of six games in 2015 due to a torn plantar fascia. But, when he came back, he struggled with completing his passes.
According to John Elway, the Broncos' general manager and former quarterback, Manning should probably take this time to reflect on what he would like to do next season.
