Peyton Manning announces retirement after 18 seasons

After 18 NFL seasons, Peyton Manning has announced his retirement.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning announced his retirement from football on Monday after 18 seasons in the NFL.

“There were other players more talented, but there was no one who could out-prepare me. And so I have no regrets,” Manning said at a press conference. “I fought a good fight, I finished my football race, and after 18 years, it’s time.”

Manning led Denver to a 24–10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 to become the oldest quarterback to win the Super Bowl and the first to win it with two teams. 

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The No. 1 pick in the 1998 NFL draft out of Tennessee, Manning won four MVP awards with the Indianapolis Colts and led them to a Super Bowl victory in 2006 before joining the Broncos and adding another MVP award to his mantle in 2013.

“Grateful is the word that comes to my mind when thinking of the Denver Broncos,” Manning said.

He retires as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns and passing yards.

– Kenny Ducey