Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts may have went their own separate paths at about this time four years ago. However, the franchise is solid in its appreciation for him.
The Colts will show just how solid by stationing a statue of him right outside Lucas Oil Stadium. Plus, owner Jim Irsay announced on Friday during Manning’s second retirement press conference that the team will retire Manning’s jersey.
“No future Indianapolis Colt will wear No. 18,” Irsay said.
The number 18 is also symbolic for Manning since the former Tennessee QB played 18 seasons in the NFL, the first 14 in Indianapolis. Manning, who led the Colts to a 29-17 win over the Bears in Super Bowl XLI, called it quits after doing the same with the Broncos last season.
His win in Super Bowl 50 made Manning the only starting QB in NFL history to win a Super Bowl with two different teams.
“I can’t tell you how honored and humbled I am by those two pieces of news,” Manning said. “I really don’t know what to say. It was my honor and privilege to play for this organization for 14 years. This is the team that I wanted to play for, and I was glad that you all drafted me. I’ll always be a Colt.”
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
