Broncos QB Peyton Manning To Retire

Just four weeks after securing his second Super Bowl title, veteran Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s career in the NFL has come to an end.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning To Retire

Manning is expected to announce his retirement from the NFL at a press conference on Monday at 1 p.m. EST, after 18 years in the league, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports according to a source close to Manning.

The QB reportedly called key Broncos figures including John Elway and head coach Gary Kubiak on Saturday night to tell them the news.

“Peyton Manning’s extraordinary career was driven by his talent, an incredible work ethic, and an unwavering desire to be the best and ended so perfectly for him with a Super Bowl victory,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Peyton’s competitive fire and love of the game made him a legendary player who thrilled fans for a generation. He has served as a great representative of the NFL both on the field and in his community. We are forever grateful for Peyton’s unmatched contributions to the game and know that his success will continue in the next phase of his life.”

There has been much gossip about Manning’s future plans, since even before he and the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers at Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., last month. The Broncos have already offered backup QB Brock Osweiler, who replaced Manning late last season, a pricey three-year contract.

Manning, who will be turning 40 later this month, is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks and passers in NFL history, with the lowest “sack percentage” (number of times sacked) of all time. He also won a record five league MVPs, as well as an NFL record 200 career wins (regular season and playoffs combined) following his Super Bowl 50 win. Manning also became the first starting QB to win a Super Bowl with two different teams.

“Being hurt and struggling early in the season wasn’t a lot of fun so I was grateful to get back heathy and to try and play my part these past couple of weeks,” Manning said after winning Super Bowl 50 over the Panthers.

Manning was selected by the Indianapolis Colts out of the University of Tennessee as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He led the league in interceptions as a rookie on a three-win team, he also threw for 26 touchdowns and over 3,700 yards.

After Manning was traded to the Broncos in 2012, the team won at least 12 games in each of Manning’s four seasons with them. The 2013 Broncos also set the league’s scoring record, and Manning threw a record 55 touchdowns that season.

The 2015 season also proved to be a difficult one for Manning following accusations of HGH use that led to an NFL investigation. The QB was also caught telling New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick “this might be my last rodeo” after the Broncos’ AFC Championship win, which is when speculation regarding his retirement reached a new high.

“Along the way we talked about dreaming that it could end the way it ended,” Kubiak said in a statement. “And I’ll be damned it did.”