Dear Peyton Manning: Thanks for Choosing the Broncos

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be announcing his retirement on Monday. From all of Broncos Country, thank you for choosing the Broncos to complete your career.

This Sunday Morning, I woke up and took my dogs out. I figured on a Sunday morning, nothing huge was going to happen. I had just spent last night watching UFC 196, so I was up late.

I wake up to my alarm blaring and tons of notifications. The majority of them read that Peyton Manning will announce his retirement on Monday.

I knew it was going to happen, but wow. I was still in shock. The great Peyton Manning will be retiring. What a final season it was. I am really glad that he will be going out on top.

If I were to take anything from this retirement, I would like to take a few moments to thank Manning for his four years in Denver.

I will admit, I was a bit shocked when the Broncos were able to sign Manning and a bit disappointed that it came at the cost of releasing Tim Tebow. But I knew deep down that John Elway was making the right choice.

In the four years he would be a Denver Bronco, we would be on quite a wild ride. From his first win against the Pittsburgh Steelers to his final win in Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers.

Broncos fans got to see a huge legend wear the orange and blue. We got to see the comeback win against the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football in 2012. That moment will also be huge for me since it was during my Birthday.

I was in disbelief when the Broncos were down 24-0 and trying to come to grips with the events. But I would watch the greatest comeback as a Broncos fan. I wish I could have cheered a little louder, but due to quiet hours in the dorm, I could not. I was still excited.

That in turn started an 11 game winning streak. Seeing win after win and Manning clicking with the Broncos. After that Monday Night game, I knew this time was going to be special for however long he would be with the Broncos.

Of course, the times with Manning would include some tough times. The double overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round was the first heartbreak.

In 2013, we got to witness history. Manning’s 55 touchdown passes were the most in any season in NFL history. All at the same time witnessing him lead an explosive offense to the record books. Then the Broncos would take care of business in the playoffs against the Chargers and Patriots. The Broncos were going to their first Super Bowl since the 1998 season.

We would then learn that it is in fact that defense wins championships as the Broncos were handed a brutal loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

2014 gave me the opportunity to see Manning play in person. One Sunday afternoon at Metlife Stadium against the New York Jets. I’ve seen him play on television, but it was a great feeling to see him live in action.

2014 was a roller coaster ride. In the end however, it was in disappointment. John Fox was shown the door and Gary Kubiak came right in. 2015 saw Manning struggle quite a bit and would ultimately get injured and benched.

But when he came back in the Chargers game at the end of the regular season, we got to see him perform one last time in the regular season. It was that game that I knew that this playoff season would be special.

Close wins against the Steelers and Patriots in this year’s postseason brought the team to the Super Bowl. While Manning did enough to help with the win, the Broncos defense made sure their quarterback went out on top.

With that said, I want to say thank you Peyton Manning for choosing the Denver Broncos to be the team to play for in the final four years of your career. A lot of celebrating and a lot of heartbreak happened in those four years.

But I can honestly say I am really happy that I can call you my quarterback during that time. You helped bring the Broncos to where they are today. I am glad I got to see you win a second ring in your final game as an NFL pro. It has been some ride.

Next: Peyton Manning to retire Monday

Thank You Peyton Manning! For all you have done for Broncos Country and the NFL. Enjoy the ride off into the sunset. You deserve it.

Good luck in whatever the future brings for you and your family. And enjoy retirement and have a Budweiser as a toast to your career. We will see you in Canton soon. And for one last time. Omaha!