It’s official: Peyton Manning is going to retire on Monday. The news was originally broken by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network confirmed that Manning will make the announcement on Monday afternoon in Denver.
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
The #Broncos will have a news conference at 1 pm Eastern on Monday to celebrate Peyton Manning's career.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2016
It’s still early, and the news of Manning’s retirement is something that everyone saw coming, but there are already a ton of people paying homage to Manning on Twitter. A number of players – some who didn’t even play with Manning – came up with their own unique ways to remember No. 18.
Man thank you P thank you 4 all the memories I love you man believe me I have a friend 4 life. A 9 year old fan to a teammate P G.O.A.T
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) March 6, 2016
I'm happy the big fella is riding off in2 the Sunset…Another Super Bowl ring, some free Bud Light, Papa Johns is booming..Congrats Peyton
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 6, 2016
Now Peyton shall ride off into the sunset…. what a great career. That man in his prime was something serious!
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 6, 2016
Come to think of it, I've been blown out by Peyton more times than I've won games against him lol. Those games got ugly fast…
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 6, 2016
Additionally, a number of teams (including, unsurprisingly, the two that Manning played for during his career) found ways to honor arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game.
Thank you, Peyton, and congratulations on your magnificent 18-year NFL career! https://t.co/YdMt19tQ2i pic.twitter.com/jYDXpMmlUA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 6, 2016
#ThankYouPeyton pic.twitter.com/ldCYgCfpF4
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 6, 2016
Congrats on a SUPER career Peyton Manning! pic.twitter.com/Mn9XF9S9pg
— New York Giants (@Giants) March 6, 2016
#ThankYouPeyton
Congratulations on an incredible career! pic.twitter.com/BXNo0BnQki— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 6, 2016
#Respect pic.twitter.com/TgEg6YGUzO
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 6, 2016
Those who have always revered Manning are the people who worked above him. The coaches and front office executives in Indianapolis and Denver were especially fond of Manning, oftentimes praising his meticulous preparation and professionalism on and off the football field. Two of the most notable executives in his career – John Elway and Bill Polian – decided to pay homage to Manning in their own ways.
John Elway praises Peyton Manning as No. 18 calls it a career. pic.twitter.com/zyuoY7c5Dq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 6, 2016
Good Peyton Manning stuff fm Bill Polian: "What do you plan to do w/ the money?" PM after signing richest rookie deal: "I plan to earn it."
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 6, 2016
Even athleres who don’t play football but admire Manning paid tribute, as Derek Jeter and Kobe Bryant appeared on the NFL Network to share memories of their fellow soon-to-be Hall of Famer.
Much RE2PECT to Manning. Jeter and @kobebryant 's thoughts on 18 airing now on @nflnetwork
— Patrick Claybon (@PatrickClaybon) March 6, 2016
The coolest tribute, though, came from Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, who went back and found the clip of Manning’s first career pass all the way back in 1998.
Peyton's first career pass. Yay for split backs https://t.co/DlIGSrSAEN
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) March 6, 2016
We’re sure that more tributes will come pouring in over the next 24 hours, as everyone will want to find ways to remember the most prolific passer in NFL history. Of course, some want us not to forget certain things:
Peyton Manning to retire at 39. The charges never brought against him were 20.
— man it’s a hot zone, (@Mobute) March 6, 2016
