When you’ve played football as long as Peyton Manning has and as well as he has, you tend to make some popular friends both in and outside of the NFL. And when you announce you’re hanging it up for good, those friends (or even rivals) will come out and give you a pat on the back.
Manning is announcing his retirement from the NFL on Monday after 18 seasons in the league. He spent 14 of those with the Indianapolis Colts and his last 4 with the Denver Broncos. Manning was drafted No. 1 overall in the 1998 draft by the Colts and is now the owner of several NFL records.
In Manning’s 18-year career, he won a record 5 MVP awards and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XLI. He owns the record for most passing touchdowns in a season (55), most yards in a season (5,477), most yards in a career (71,940), most passing touchdowns in a career (539), and most wins by a quarterback in the regular seasons and postseason combined (200).
Oh yeah, and he retires having just won Super Bowl 50, too.
There are many players, teammates, former teammates, and celebrities offering Manning their congratulations. Here are just a few:
Manning’s long-standing “rival” Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots:
John Elway, another former Bronco quarterback who is also the current Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager of the team:
Peyton was everything we thought he was and even more – for our team & community. What an AMAZING career & we’re thankful he was a Bronco!!
— John Elway (@johnelway) March 6, 2016
Bernie Fowler, a teammate of the Broncos who will go down as having caught the last pass Manning ever threw in the NFL:
So it’s official I caught p money’s last pass wow what a blessing shoutout to the sheriff on a great career !
— Bennie Fowler (@b_fowler13) March 6, 2016
T.J. Ward, a defensive back with the Broncos and teammate of Manning:
Congrats to P. Manning on your retirement. It has been a honor to play with you the past two seasons. #GOAT #PMONEY pic.twitter.com/KgZFAnMBdN
— T.J. Ward (@BossWard43) March 7, 2016
The Indianapolis Colts, Manning’s first NFL team:
#ThankYouPeyton pic.twitter.com/ldCYgCfpF4
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 6, 2016
The Denver Broncos, Manning’s most recent NFL team:
Thank you, Peyton, and congratulations on your magnificent 18-year NFL career! https://t.co/YdMt19tQ2i pic.twitter.com/jYDXpMmlUA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 6, 2016
Julius Thomas, a former teammate of Manning’s in Denver who is now a tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars:
Too much respect for you my guy! pic.twitter.com/j7B6qRLj8a
— Julius Thomas (@Julius_Thomas) March 6, 2016
J.J. Watt, three-time Defensive Player of the Year and current defensive end for the Houston Texans:
It was an honor and a privilege Peyton. #FarewellSheriff
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 6, 2016
Donté Stallworth, former NFL wide receiver and also a former Vol like Manning:
Come to think of it, I’ve been blown out by Peyton more times than I’ve won games against him lol. Those games got ugly fast…
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 6, 2016
Adam Jones, outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB:
I love u Peyton Manning. Great career. Now send me some Papa Johns por favor.
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) March 6, 2016
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and likely future NASCAR Hall of Famer:
1st All Time Passing Yards & Touchdowns.
A @Nationwide Financial retirement planner can assist you today Peyton.
Omaha!!— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) March 6, 2016
Allen Iverson, former NBA point guard and likely future NBA Hall of Famer:
Congrats to the best EVER! Peyton Manning! Thanks for GIVING US U!!!
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) March 6, 2016
A cool graphic sent out by NFL.com on Twitter showing every player who’s caught a TD pass from Manning in his 18-year career:
539 TD passes.
More than anyone in NFL history.Peyton. Manning. ??? pic.twitter.com/DisSHPHNUR
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2016
And technically not a salute to Peyton, but it’s a video of Manning dabbing. So that seems like it should be on here:
Peyton Manning just dabbed. What is lifehttps://t.co/A0RdaHZErL
— NO CHILL SPORTS (@NoChiIlSports) March 6, 2016
Be sure to check back later as we will keep you updated as the well wishes will continue to roll in.
