ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Now that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is hanging up the jersey for good, a lot of people are chiming in to reminisce on the likely Hall of Fame quarterback’s career as he rides off into the sunset.
Manning is set to announce his retirement Monday at 11 a.m. FOX31 Denver will have coverage live online and on air.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
“Peyton Manning’s extraordinary career was driven by his talent, an incredible work ethic, and an unwavering desire to be the best and ended so perfectly for him with a Super Bowl victory. Peyton’s competitive fire and love of the game made him a legendary player who thrilled fans for a generation. He has served as a great representative of the NFL both on the field and in his community. We are forever grateful for Peyton’s unmatched contributions to the game and know that his success will continue in the next phase of his life.”
Denver Broncos President and CEO Joe Ellis:
“On the field, Peyton’s competitiveness, intensity and leadership helped us to one of the most successful periods in our history, highlighted by four consecutive division titles, two AFC Championship victories and a win in Super Bowl 50. Off the field, Peyton’s kindness and generosity, especially toward those in need, made a real difference on a very personal level.
“Our team, our organization and our community are all better because of Peyton Manning. He raised the performance of those around him and raised the level of excellence here at the Broncos.”
Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager John Elway:
“When you look at everything Peyton has accomplished as a player and person, it’s easy to see how fortunate we’ve been to have him on our team. Peyton was everything that we thought he was and even more—not only for the football team but in the community.
“There’s no question that his work ethic is what made him into one of the great quarterbacks of all time. All the film study Peyton did and the process that he went through with game planning and understanding what the other teams did was second-to-none.
“Peyton was a player that guys wanted to play with. That made us better as a team, and I’m thrilled that we were able to win a championship in his final year. Peyton won a lot of awards and set a lot of records, but to me, what he helped our team accomplish during the last four years is what stands out the most.
“I’m very thankful Peyton chose to play for the Denver Broncos and I congratulate him on his Hall of Fame career.”
Peyton was everything we thought he was and even more – for our team & community. What an AMAZING career & we're thankful he was a Bronco!!
— John Elway (@johnelway) March 6, 2016
Linebacker Von Miller:
“I think Peyton was the perfect example of greatness and the perfect example of what it looks like to reach ultimate pinnacle to be great. He represents the struggle to get there, too. There are some superstars who are great their entire career, but everyone can relate to Peyton because he’s had his shares of ups and downs. He showed me exactly what a leader is. He was the perfect example of how to lead teammates for the rest of my career. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had someone who showed me how to lead and how relate to guys on both sides of the ball and really the entire organization. The equipment guys, the trainers, the coaches, the importance of those relationships—that’s what I’ll take from watching him. I think Peyton Manning will continue to be Peyton Manning in life. He’ll have a great gameplan, call great audibles, have great secondary plans if needed, and will continue to be successful.”
Miller also posted on Instagram.
“Thanks Peyton ‘Pmoney, Papa John, Master P’!!! You showed us what greatness looks like! Thru all the adversity, you stayed consistent in your quest for greatness! The task was never too big, or too small for The Sheriff! I love you, and appreciate everything for have done for me personally and the organization! “You’re the REAL MVP”!!!
Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders:
“To play alongside Peyton the past two years has truly been a blessing. Watching him and mimicking how he handled his business on and off the field is a huge reason why I’ve had success. His presence will not only be missed on the field but also in the locker room. I’m proud of him, and I’m glad that we accomplished the goals we set of winning a championship together. Peyton is my teammate, my friend and my brother. I’m forever grateful.”
Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas:
“I still remember the first year sitting down talking to Peyton. I think I said something like, ‘Hello, Sir,’ just because he had been playing so long and was so successful. Playing with him, being in the meeting room with him, that made me a better pro. I learned how to watch film and knew what players were doing so when we got on the field, we knew exactly what to expect. He knew how to change plays—I can remember one game in particular, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012), he changed the play because of something he saw and we scored a touchdown. Being around him, everyone thinks he’s serious, but he likes to have fun and he likes to win. He was more than a teammate—He was like a brother. If you needed someone to talk to, he was there. He was the best pro I’ve ever been around. Our four years together went by fast, but it’s great that he was able to go out with a Super Bowl. I wish Peyton all the best and am excited to see what he’ll do.”
Chris Tripucka, son of Frank Tripucka, who wore the No. 18 jersey that was retired by the Broncos but gave Manning permission to use it, tweeted his favorite memory of Manning’s career:
Obviously, wearing my dads number and winning a championship in it, just like my dad asked him to do! #Broncos https://t.co/s4hxHQKOPC
— CHRIS TRIPUCKA (@TXTrip17) March 6, 2016
Broncos players posted about the Sheriff’s goodbye on social media:
Congrats to my man PM on an amazing career. It was an honor to play with one of the greatest & to win it all with him.
— Darian Stewart (@darianstewart26) March 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/Sylwil92/status/706556015655854080
Grateful for the chance to play with quite possibly the best QB of all time. Well done Peyton. Enjoy the golf course.
— Tyler Polumbus (@Tyler_Polumbus) March 6, 2016
It was an honor to be ur teammate "p-money" congrats on ur successful career, thanks for teaching me how to be a pro pic.twitter.com/K52tE8H72M
— Clats12 (@CodyLatimer14) March 6, 2016
So it's official I caught p money's last pass wow what a blessing shoutout to the sheriff on a great career !
— Bennie Fowler (@Beanzz16) March 6, 2016
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
Man I'm just in awe with 18 glad to have a friendship 4ever with my guy love you P this game will miss you
— Cj Anderson (@cjandersonb22) March 6, 2016
Former Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said Manning was “the best quarterback that I faced in my NFL career” and “a great teammate during our two seasons together in Denver. He set the bar extremely high in terms of what it takes to be a great player in this league.”
Former Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey tweeted:
Congrats Peyton, you played the QB position & game to perfection. Showed generations, including my boys, how to be a pro. Enjoy retirement!
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) March 6, 2016
His old teammates on the Colts had goodbye messages for the Sheriff as well:
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
Even Manning’s counterparts on the field gave their goodbyes, both in statements and on social media:
It was an honor and a privilege Peyton. #FarewellSheriff
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 6, 2016