Peyton Manning to Retire

(photo credit: oregonlive.com)

Broncos QB Peyton Manning will announce his retirement Monday, ESPN's Jeff Legwold reports. As PFR notes, the Broncos have confirmed the report on their official website and Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes that Manning broke the news to GM John Elway and head coach Gary Kubiak last night. Ian Rapoport adds that Peyton's press conference will be at 1 p.m. EST tomorrow.

Manning, who turns 40 later this month, is a two-time Super Bowl Champion, capturing his second title in Super Bowl 50 a a month ago. He is the all-time leader for QBs in total wins (200), passing yards (71,940), passing touchdowns (539), and passing touchdowns in a single season (55 in 2013). He is a 14-time Pro Bowler and record five-time MVP. He will retire as the highest-paid player in NFL history, earning nearly $250M in his 18-year career.

Peyton was the #1 overall pick in the 1998 draft by the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the first 14 years of his career. After undergoing neck surgery in 2011 and missing that entire season, Indianapolis released him over concern over his future in the NFL. He was able to show that he could still play and signed a five-year, $90M contract with Denver prior to the 2012 season. Denver was still uncertain as to Manning's future and drafted QB Brock Osweiler that same year.

In all, "The Sheriff" was able to continue his career at a high level with the Broncos, completing 66.5% of his passes for over 17,000 yards and 140 touchdowns in his four years with Denver. He was also a three-time Pro Bowler, the MVP in 2013, and a Super Bowl Champion in 2015.

2015 was arguably the most difficult for Manning in his career, missing six games with a partially fractured Plantar plate in his left foot. In the 10 games he did appear in, he didn't put up typical Peyton-like numbers, completing just under 60% of his passes for career-worsts nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He returned for the second half of Week 17 against the San Diego Chargers, led Denver to a victory, and ultimately the Super Bowl 50 title.

We here at Everything NFL Inc. congratulate Peyton on a tremendous career and wish him the best of luck in life after football.