5 all-time great NFL players that need to retire after 2015

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Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leaves the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Peyton Manning: Denver Broncos Quarterback

Peyton Manning is arguably the greatest regular season quarterback in NFL history. He is a 14-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, and a five-time league MVP. Manning has thrown for more passing yards (71,871) and more touchdown passes (539) than anyone to ever sling the pigskin. He won the Super Bowl with the 2006 Indianapolis Colts and won two more AFC Championships.

However, Manning’s health is obviously deteriorating in 2015. He has had four neck surgeries, supposedly is experiencing numbness in his fingers, and has been out for well over a month due to plantar fasciitis.

Manning may have the competitiveness to play in the NFL for years, but his body and his decaying arm strength may signal that the end is near for the Denver Broncos quarterback. He won’t go down without a fight and hasn’t been the most cooperative backup to Brock Osweiler in Denver the last month or so. Manning may say he supports Osweiler but wants to remain the Broncos starting quarterback in 2016.

Manning turns 40 in March and if he wishes to continue his NFL career, it will likely have to be on his third NFL team. Other teams may have interest in Manning’s cerebral approach to the game, but would he even clearly medically for most teams?

Had the 2013 Denver Broncos with their high-octane offense won the Super Bowl like they probably should have instead of laying an egg to the Legion of Boom to the Seattle Seahawks, Manning could have rode off into the sunset like John Elway. Instead, the NFL has seen the monumental declining of Manning in 2015.

Next: 1. Matt Hasselbeck

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