Going out on top.
There aren’t many better ways to ride off into the sunset.
Reports from ESPN suggest quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown his last pass after 18 seasons in the NFL.
Manning, who turns 40 this month, was a fading force and missed time last season with injury, but he was back under centre as the Denver Broncos claimed victory in Super Bowl 50.
However, the Broncos reportedly made it clear than they were moving on from Manning, who is thought to have wanted to continue if he could find a place on a contending team.
Filed to ESPN: Five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning will announce his retirement Monday in Denver per source familiar with the QB's decision
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 6, 2016
With most of the good teams set at quarterback, though, Manning has indeed called it a day, and retires with a Hall of Fame resume and a host of NFL records.
He owns the NFL marks in touchdown passes (539) and passing yards (71,940) and five NFL MVP awards, while his Super Bowl triumph made him the first QB to win 200 games in the league.
Peyton's $249M in on-field earnings is an NFL record, per @spotrac. Off-field earnings likely approach $100M
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) March 6, 2016
He also owns the single-season records for yards (5,477) and touchdowns (55) during a spectacular 2013 season with the Broncos.
SB 50 was Manning’s fourth Super Bowl and his second win, his first coming in 2007 during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, while he made the play-offs 15 times and was named to 14 Pro Bowls.
