Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning officially announced his retirement from the NFL during a press conference at the team's facility, walking away after spending 18 years in the league.
"There's something about 18 years, 18 is a good number. Today I retire from football," Manning stated. "I revere football. I love the game. You don't have to ask if I'm going to miss it. Absolutely. Absolutely I will."
Manning retires as the NFL's all-time leader in career touchdown passes (539) and career passing yards (71,940), along with being the only player in league history to win the MVP award five times. He is also the first starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two different teams, winning Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos.
Many speculated that Super Bowl 50 would be his last game, but Manning said he didn't really know until he talked with his five-year old daughter. Before the game, Manning said she asked him "Is this the last game ever?" He chuckled and shook his head.
Manning took time off after the Super Bowl to "enjoy being a world champion," then really thought about his future in the days leading up to this announcement. In the end, Manning said he "just knew it was time."
"It felt like the right time..."
— NFL (@NFL) March 7, 2016
Who exactly did Peyton Manning consult before making his decision? https://t.co/4pMaTiYlPZ
Denver signed Manning prior to the 2012 season after he was released by the Colts after he missed the entire 2011 season due to multiple neck surgeries. He thanked the Broncos and general manager John Elway for taking a chance on him, the Colts' front office, thanked all of his teammates with both the Colts and Broncos, and his family.
Football lesson. Life lesson.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 7, 2016
Now that all is said & done, it's the little things that Peyton will miss. Incredible.https://t.co/G8uKxRJ8vH
"I fought a good fight and now I finish my football race," Manning said. "After 18 years, it's time. God bless all of you, and God bless football."
Even though he left the sport on top following Denver's Super Bowl victory, the last few months of his career were marred by controversy. Allegations of alleged HGH use arose in December and are still being investigated by the NFL, and he was mentioned in a Title IX sexual assault lawsuit against the University of Tennessee. He briefly addressed those allegations, specifially involving the sexual assault lawsuit.
"This is a joyous day, and nothing can overtake this day. It's sad that some people don't understand the truth and the facts," he said. "I did not do what has been alleged."
As for life after football, Manning has expressed interest in both becoming a television analyst or joining the front office with a team, but he hasn't made any decisions.
"I don't know, I haven't ruled anything out," Manning said. "I haven't made any decisions."
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