Peyton Manning’s retirement leaves a hole in the Denver Broncos’ roster. It also leaves one in the N.F.L., among players who match talent on the field with TV-ready appeal.
Manning, who retired Monday after 18 seasons, including a final one marred by injury, more than accumulated a passel of records and two Super Bowl wins. He transcended the game the way few players have. Jim Brown, Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana and John Elway — Manning’s boss on the Broncos — were all hugely popular in their day, though largely for their success on Sundays.