Peyton Manning: ‘This might be my last rodeo’

Peyton Manning told Bill Belichick that this could be his last season.

Peyton Manning’s retirement was a hot topic ever since the start of the season. He missed nearly half of it due to injury, played poorly up until that point, was accused of using HGH, and has generally looked like he hasn’t possessed the same hunger that he had before in his career. So when he and Bill Belichick shook hands after the AFC Championship Game, the audio that was captured by NFL Network was pretty telling:

“Hey, listen, this might my last rodeo. So, it sure has been a pleasure.”

Peyton will no doubt want to close out his legacy with a win at Super Bowl 50, but it being his fourth Super Bowl appearance, it’s already been cemented and he will be going to the Hall of Fame. Even if he does decide to come back next year, it’s unsure whether he’ll be back with the Broncos. At the start of the season, he agreed to take a $4 million pay cut with a chance to get it back in incentives if he won the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl. That no doubt put a lot of pressure on Manning to deliver, but he’s done it so far.

If and when Peyton retires, people will still want him to take a job in football. Considering his knowledge of the game and his vast experience, a coaching job would suit Manning very well.

[H/T: NBC Sports]