We don’t know if we’ll ever see Peyton Manning on a football field again, but if his comments in the moments following the Denver Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers are any indication, this is likely it.
Manning was asked by CBS’ Tracy Wolfson if he was reflecting on how successful his career had been in the wake of his second Super Bowl victory.
“Sure, you certainly do,” Manning told Wolfson. “On the bus rides and of course you get asked a lot of questions and you reflect on all the coaches, family members and friends that have helped you get to a Super Bowl, get to this point, so I’m very grateful.
“I’ve taken the time to call those people, tell them how much I appreciate them, their support, and obviously it’s very special to cap it off with a Super Bowl championship.”
So is this the final game of Manning’s career?
“I’ll take some time to reflect,” he added. “I’ve got a couple of priorities first. I want to go kiss my wife and my kids, I want to go hug my family, I’m going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight, Tracy. And I’m probably going to take care of those things first. And I’m definitely going to say a little prayer and thank the man upstairs for this great opportunity. I’m just very grateful.”
Manning completed 13 of 23 passes for 141 yards and an interception. He also lost a fumble and recovered a second.
We won’t know when the 39-year-old will make a decision, but as CBS’ Jim Nantz put it, if this was Manning’s last rodeo, it’s been one hell of a ride.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
