Peyton Manning on his decision to retire: 'After 18 years, it's time'
(FOX NEWS) - The five-time NFL MVP and postseason regular Peyton Manning said Monday he was retiring because, "after 18 years, it's time."
A month after his second Super Bowl championship and a parade through downtown Denver attended by more than a million fans, the soon-to-be 40-year-old quarterback thanked his family, his supporters, and his teammates and rivals. "Thank you for what you've done for this old quarterback."
Manning says he has no idea what he'll do in retirement. Citing new opportunities on and off the field, he said, "Life is not shrinking for me."
The tributes came pouring in. Broncos president Joe Ellis said, "Peyton Manning made our team better, he made our organization better, and he made our community better." General Manager John Elway added, "On behalf of all our fans, thank you."
Tom Brady tweeted his congratulations telling Manning, "You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better."