On Monday, March 7, 2016, exactly one month after his Superbowl win, Peyton Manning announced his retirement at the Denver Broncos training facility in Englewood, Colorado.
After weeks of speculation, the acclaimed quarterback finally called it quits. Debated as one of the most outstanding quarterbacks to ever play the game, Manning's retirement has been met with accusations and allegations from previous years. Specifically, the recent December HGH allegations and the flare up from the 1996 Tennessee training room incident. Probably not the kind of backlash you want to receive after hanging up your cleats after a seemingly marvelous career.
Now I'll openly admit that I don't know a whole lot about football. A Cleveland Browns turned Buffalo Bills fan, I've grown up watching my favorite teams, year after year, crumble to pieces. But during those years of ups and downs, I've been able to witness some absolutely incredible football players; players who seemingly make what I think is one of the most confusing and difficult sports to play look easy and effortless. I consider Peyton Manning one of these geniuses.
Peyton Manning is one of the first names I remember associating with football. He played with the Indianapolis Colts for a majority of my childhood, and whenever they would square up against the Cleveland Browns, I would cheer for the white and blue. (Probably because I liked their colors better, but that's beside the point.) I knew who Manning was from a young age, and I knew he was great. Now that he's retired, there's a certain presence missing, a sense of pressure that will no longer be felt. Patriots QB Tom Brady said, " Who has lived up to the expectations year after year after year as well as Peyton? He's done it so gracefully, so admirably. He set the standard for how to play the quarterback position." Those seem like some pretty large cleats to fill. Luckily, many believe that Peyton's career in football is far from over.
When asked about his future, Manning's responses are cryptic at this point. He is indecisive and seemingly not ready to think about it. However, many speculate that he could have a great career in commentating. He could turn to coaching, perhaps a position in management, the possibilities are quite endless when it comes to the National Football League. For now, I believe all Peyton Manning wants is to take a deep breath. He's been a pro football player for 18 years now, and that's a round the clock commitment 365 days a year. I would at least take a vacation (or 12) and focus on spending time with my family.
To Peyton Manning and his incredible career, we the fans say thank you.
