Former Indianapolis Colts legendary quarterback Peyton Manning will presumably play in his final NFL game tonight–Super Bowl 50 after 18 magical seasons.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback was reportedly “very emotional” in the Denver Broncos team meeting on Super Bowl 50 eve, and while he hasn’t formally announced a decision on his future, this appears to be the end:
He’s already told close friends as much, as well has some of his longtime nemesis Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
His coaches know it. His teammates know it. We know it. It just feels like it’s time.
Perhaps Manning said it best in March of 2012, when he and the Colts–with owner Jim Irsay present, respectfully parted ways given the superstar quarterback’s uncertain health and future:
"“But perhaps like in life and in sports, we all know that nothing lasts forever,” Manning emotionally said.“I haven’t thought about where I’ll play, but I’ve thought about where I’ve been. I’ve been blessed to play here. I’ve been blessed to be in the NFL.”"
Considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, the 39 year old has little else to prove. After all, he’s a Super Bowl XLI Champion, 5x MVP, 7x 1st-Team All-Pro, 14x Pro Bowler, 2x Offensive Player of the Year, and member of the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team.
Not to mention, Manning is currently the NFL’s all-time leader in career passing touchdowns (539), passing yards (71,940), and 2nd in passing completions (6,125).
Manning may not have his “95 miles per hour fastball” anymore, but as he said earlier this week–like a veteran pitcher, he can still “paint the corners of the plate”, harness his stuff, and make a key pitch when he needs to in order to get guys out.
Despite battling age, injury, and diminished arm strength, Manning has reinvented himself and taken back his Denver Broncos team using the utmost grit, heart, and perseverance.
The battle-tested veteran knows what it’s going to take to beat a stingy Carolina Panthers defense by minimizing turnovers and effectively managing the game–while making the critical throw when he needs to.
Manning can no longer carry a team, like he did for 14 seasons in Indianapolis and the majority of his time in Denver.
However, the old warhorse still has enough left in the tank to make the big throw when he has to–like we were so routinely accustomed to seeing throughout his time in the NFL.
While critics–namely glorified “ring counters” will point out that Manning only has one Super Bowl ring should he lose tonight, that should not diminish his legacy in the least. After all, is Trent Dilfer a better quarterback than Dan Marino?
Manning already proved he’s a champion by winning Super Bowl XLI with the Colts in 2006. Nothing else really has to be said.
Not only did Manning play at an MVP caliber level for largely 18 NFL seasons, but he also revolutionized the position with his calling plays at the line of scrimmage and superior ability to run a no huddle, 2 minute offense.
That is in addition to becoming one of the greatest ever to play the position and breaking nearly every significant NFL passing record in the process.
Manning modeled his game after the late great Johnny Unitas and truly became a throwback player in every sense of the word.
He’s become an NFL icon who’s transcended the sport–the likes of which we’ll probably never see again. One who truly embodies the spirit of football and everything that’s so great about this game.
That being said, here’s hoping the Denver Broncos can help send out Manning for what he’s always been–a champion.
"Manning concluded in his departing Colts press conference, “To Colts fans everywhere thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I’ve truly enjoyed being your quarterback.”"
No, thank you, #18. It’s been nothing short of an honor and a privilege in watching you play for 18 magical seasons regardless of the outcome tonight.