Will Peyton Manning retire if the Broncos win Super Bowl 50?

Peyton Manning has a chance to end his career on top with a victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Peyton Manning’s career seemed to be over just a few months ago. He broke Brett Favre’s record for all-time passing yards in Week 10, but played one of, if not the worst game of his entire career against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Manning was 5-for-20 with 35 yards and four interceptions, landing himself on the bench in favor of Brock Osweiler. He was inactive until Week 17 when he was listed as the backup quarterback.

Fast forward to today and he is now preparing to start in his fourth Super Bowl.

Even though he has risen back to the top of the game in such a quick time span, it is no secret that Manning’s career is nearing its end one way or the other; not only because of his age, but more so because of his health.

Watching Manning during that Week 10 game against Kansas City was hard. It was a reminder that many football players play the game until they cannot do so anymore, leading to the end becoming a necessity instead of a choice.

But with the Denver Broncos reaching the Super Bowl, Manning has a chance to retire at the peak of his career. If the Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers, he has the ability to end his career after a championship, which is what most athletes dream of doing. He would be remembered for coming back from countless injuries and fighting through to win one final Super Bowl, while ignoring endless criticism about his skills along the way.

The smart move would be to retire if the team wins, but Manning still has a year left on his contract and has indicated he would still like to play in 2016. A loss to the Panthers may bring him back for sure, but a win should not.

For Manning’s health and his legacy, retiring after a Super Bowl victory would be the best choice.