An Extremely Emotional, Tearful Peyton Manning Has Officially Said Goodbye To The NFL

Well, that’s it.

Peyton Manning, the Sheriff, No. 18, has officially called it a career and announced his retirement from the NFL.

After 17 astounding seasons, countless records, driving Bill Belichick utterly insane, coming back from what was thought to be a career-ending neck injury, and winning two Super Bowl rings, it’s a wrap. As it should be.

But now is no time to say what he should or shouldn’t have done. Right now is the time to give a tip of the hat, a tip of the glass, or offer a classic 1980s slow clap for easily one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

If you’re a true sports fan, this is a lock to give you the chills. Everyone has their faults, but it’s hard not to appreciate a guy whose love for the game nearly brings a man to his mangled knees, let alone tears.

The list of opposing players and coaches alike that Peyton reels off is just tremendous, and chilling. God bless football indeed, brutha.

“So, Omaha.”

Now that’s just about perfect.

With so many outstanding memories to choose from, it would be crazy to pick just one. Or point to one as the best. But this one right here, when The Bill truly feared No. 18 to the point he basically went for it on 4th down from his own 25-yard line, is an all-timer for anyone and everyone outside of New England:

And on the lighter side of things, Peyton Manning and Jeff Saturday verbally jousting on the sideline is also an all-timer in a much different way. The perfect peek behind the madness that was Peyton Manning.

Say what you want about the guy. But the NFL won’t be the same without him.