Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has told close friends that he expects Super Bowl 50 to be his last game in the NFL, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Manning, 39, will turn 40 in March and was heard telling New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick that "this might be my last rodeo" after the AFC Championship a week ago.
Peyton Manning reportedly told friends that Super Bowl 50 will be his last game
Manning seems primed to call it a career, though the veteran quarterback hasn’t said much about it on the record.
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Of course, there is nothing official from Manning, who had little to say about his comments to Belichick. Many thought his career could be over years ago, when he had multiple neck surgeries and left the Indianapolis Colts. But he battled back, put up some incredible seasons in Denver and here we are.
Manning, an 18-year-veteran of the NFL, had a rough go at it in the regular season this year. He threw just nine touchdowns against 17 interceptions and averaged just 6.8 yards per attempt, his lowest since his rookie year. He was benched after throwing four interceptions against the Kansas City Chiefs, and only recently returned to a starting role for the playoffs.
It's hard to imagine him giving it another go next season, regardless of the result of Sunday's Super Bowl showdown against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. It will be Manning's fourth Super Bowl appearance, and if he wins it will be his second Super Bowl ring.
There are even prop bets as to whether Manning will announce his retirement immediately after the big game. It seems a question of when he will announce it, not if he will announce it.
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