This shouldn’t really be a surprise, but it turns out retiring from the NFL is a pretty tough thing to do.
Peyton Manning did just that Monday, officially announcing his retirement in a press conference at the Denver Broncos’ team facility in Englewood, Colo. It didn’t take long for Manning to get emotional, as he began tearing up almost immediately while discussing the impact of his idol, Baltimore Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.
The 39-year-old managed to compose himself, though, until his speech turned to his children. Manning got a little dust in his eyes while recalling his 4-year-old daughter, Mosley, asking him if he’s going to retire, but he finished the story with a pretty solid joke about ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen.
The 14-time Pro Bowl quarterback’s voice cracked several times as he ended his speech, wrapping up the emotional announcement with the words, “I’ve finished my football race, and after 18 years, it’s time. God bless all of you, and God bless football.”
