Peyton Manning: Is this seriously happening?
Is Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning seriously considering not retiring? What in the world is going on?
Look at this picture, Peyton Manning.
Do you honestly think it’s going to get any better than this?
When you talk about leaving a legacy in the NFL, there aren’t many in league history that have been able — or even will be able — to top you.
You have won two World Championships, including the historic Super Bowl 50. Not only have you got two Super Bowl championships, but they are each with a different team. Did you know you’re the only quarterback to ever do that?
Did you know that you have won more games (200) than any other quarterback, regular and post-season combined?
Did you know you’ve thrown more touchdown passes and for more yards than any other quarterback to play the game?
Did you know you have a winning record now against Tom Brady in the playofs? I bet you like that one.
Did you know that your 2013 season with the Denver Broncos is the greatest by a quarterback this league has ever seen?
Peyton, my man — you have done it all. And now you have a chance to ‘ride off into the sunset’…
Woody Paige reported on Saturday night that Manning would retire, but that rumor was squashed by Denver Broncos PR man Patrick Smythe, who stated that Manning has made no decision on his future or at least hasn’t informed the Broncos of any decision.
Then, Mike Klis dropped this on us:
“If Manning, who is 26 days shy of his 40th birthday, returns to the Broncos, Osweiler would likely enter the free-agent market on March 9 seeking a starting quarterback position elsewhere. After posting a 5-2 record in place of the injured Manning in Denver’s final seven regular-season games last season, Osweiler is ready to start.”
Wait a minute…what?
If Manning returns to who, now? Surely you can’t be serious.
We all have loved Peyton Manning. We’ve all worn the 18 jersey on a Sunday. We have all embraced having one of the best to ever play the game here in Denver and enjoyed every bit of it. Four years and a Super Bowl title later, things have come to a point where it’s time for everyone to move on.
I think Manning truly knows that, but what is the hold up, here?
The Broncos are trying to negotiate a multi-year contract with Brock Osweiler, but he’s not going to pull the trigger on a deal if Manning hasn’t stated his intentions for 2016. They’re also trying to negotiate with Von Miller and Malik Jackson, but those situations are hindered by a near $20 million cap figure occupied by Manning.
In that picture above, Manning’s experiencing pure bliss, at least in terms of the best football can offer. What better way is there to leave the game? Not only is it time physically, but you just proved everyone in the world wrong and took home the title.
There’s nothing left to prove, but more importantly, there’s nothing left to decide. You’ve done enough, my friend. More than enough.