DENVER — Peyton Manning found a new home in Denver and Broncos fans quickly turned into Manning fans four years ago. Now they have to say goodbye.

“I’m very sad and very happy,” said a fan sporting a Broncos sweater on the 16th Street Mall. “The past four years have been the greatest football watching experience of my life. I’m just extremely glad he gets to walk away with his head held high. Walking away a champion — he’s deserved it, he’s earned it.”

Broncos fans have been spoiled with quarterbacks like John Elway and Manning delivering Super Bowl championships to the Mile High City. When they decide it’s time to say goodbye, that’s when the fans really appreciate what they brought to Denver.

“We’ve heard thank you, we’ve heard he delivered, we’ve heard it’s time. But most of all, we heard thank you,” said one fan selling orange-and-blue-themed shirts outside of the Pepsi Center.

Manning’s accomplishments on the field are unmatched. He set multiple NFL records during his time in Denver, and led the Broncos to four straight AFC West titles, including two trips to the Super Bowl.

But what fans say they will miss the most is not what Manning did on the field.

“He’s a gentleman, he’s polite, he’s generous, he’s kind, he never talks trash, he’s a shining example of what professional athletes should be,” one fan said.

“He’s very professional. His interviews are great and he gives lots of credit to his teammates and he’s very selfless,” added another fan wearing a Manning jersey.