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Manning talks of ‘last rodeo’
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Peyton Manning isn’t saying that Super Bowl 50 is his grand finale, he’s just saying it could be.
NFL Network cameras caught an intriguing exchange between Manning and New England coach Bill Belichick after Denver’s 20-18 win over the Patriots in the AFC championship game on Sunday. When they embraced, Manning leaned in and told Belichick, “Hey listen, this might be my last rodeo. So, it sure has been a pleasure.”
Belichick responded, “You’re a great competitor ...”
Neither spoke of their exchange afterward.
Earlier this month, Manning said, “I’d be lying if I said I’m not thinking about that,” when asked if this could be it for him.
The five-time MVP’s season ends on February 7 in the Super Bowl against Carolina.
There are other signs that Manning is preparing as if he could ride into retirement next month.
He let his little boy stand beside him during his news conference after the AFC championship, just as he had taken him to the sideline before one of the games he missed in December.
These are things the manically focused Manning never had done before.
Long after the delirious crowd disappeared on Sunday night, Manning walked through the north end zone at Sports Authority Field with his family, picked up pieces of thin blue and orange confetti and took in the scene, including the giant scoreboard in the south end zone that read, “Next Game: Super Bowl 50.”
Pushing 40, Manning will be the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl when he takes the field for his 293rd career game, including 27 postseason appearances. It’s a chance for Manning to cap his most maddening season by becoming the first starting QB to win Lombardi Trophies for two different teams.
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