ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The recipe for the storybook ending of Peyton Manning’s Hall of Fame career included a long list of ingredients.
The league’s No. 1 defense, the Broncos’ prowess in close games that resulted in 11 wins by seven or fewer points, Brock Osweiler’s work in relief of an injured Manning and a tough-minded, no-nonsense locker room.
Oh, and one extended middle finger and a set of orthotics a guy built in Manning’s garage.
Just all part of the tapestry what became the “most unique’’ season of Manning’s career. A career Manning finished Monday, retiring after 18 NFL seasons that will land him in the Hall of Fame as soon as the five-year waiting period is over.