The Broncos and Colts legend achieved greatness through unparalleled intellectual commitment and complete command on the field, the model for every quarterback to come after him. And he leaves the game as, unquestionably, one of the all-time best
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Peyton Manning retired from football on Monday, and he did it the way he has done most everything in his life: by script. A few minutes at the podium for club president Joe Ellis, a few minutes for GM John Elway, a few (emotional) minutes for coach Gary Kubiak, a four-minute tribute video, and then, in halting voice, 11 minutes and 45 seconds of Manning thanking those who made his career possible, ending with his voice breaking as he said: “God bless all of you, and God bless football.