Broncos Refute Reports That Peyton Manning Will Retire By End Of Week

UPDATE (9:15 p.m. ET): This is starting to look like Brett Favre 2.0.

Soon after a report came out saying Peyton Manning was planning to retire by the end of the week, a Denver Broncos spokesman said a decision hasn’t been made and the team still is negotiating with the quarterback.

ORIGINAL STORY: It appears the final image fans will have of Peyton Manning in an NFL uniform will be him hoisting the Lombardi Trophy following the Denver Broncos’ dominant Super Bowl 50 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The Broncos quarterback will announce his retirement from the NFL by the end of next week, two sources told the Denver Post’s Woody Paige.

From Paige:

“His Bronc riding days are over; the last rodeo is done.

Peyton Manning is saying goodbye; it’s been lots of fun.

According to two sources, Manning will acknowledge his decision by the end of this week.

In all probability, Peyton, who will turn 40 on March 24, is leaving the Broncos and retiring from the game he has played competitively for 29 years.

It’s implausible that Manning would opt to sign with another team for one season.”

So, there you have it. It’s hardly a surprise that Manning will go out as a champion, but Paige’s report is the first to officially acknowledge the end of the QB’s storied career.

Manning’s success on the field is undeniable, especially during the regular season. The Indianapolis Colts’ 1998 first-round draft pick is a 14-time Pro Bowler and seven-time first-team All Pro. The two-time Super Bowl winner also will finish his career as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.

Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images