May 20th, 2012: Peyton signs with the Denver Broncos
The soon to be legendary Denver Bronco #18 Peyton Manning posing with John Elway and Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen.
Saying Goodbye to the colts
After a 14-year career with The Colts, Peyton said goodbye in March of 2012. Both Manning and The Colts' owner Jim Irsay stated in a press conference that they wished Peyton could stay but "circumstances" were keeping him from continuing to play as a Colt.
Peyton did not play during the 2011 NFL season, due to neck injuries he had sustained on the field. During Peyton's benched season, The Colts suffered an embarrassing 2-14 record but did earn the top draft pick for the next season. Andrew Luck, a promising quarterback from Stanford, was selected to replace him for the upcoming 2012 NFL season.
"Nobody loves their job more than I do. Nobody loves playing quarterback more than I do. I still want to play." -Peyton Manning, March 2012
Peyton did not play during the 2011 NFL season, due to neck injuries he had sustained on the field. During Peyton's benched season, The Colts suffered an embarrassing 2-14 record but did earn the top draft pick for the next season. Andrew Luck, a promising quarterback from Stanford, was selected to replace him for the upcoming 2012 NFL season.
"Nobody loves their job more than I do. Nobody loves playing quarterback more than I do. I still want to play." -Peyton Manning, March 2012
Hello, Denver
Peyton was a hot commodity after he left The Colts and several teams were hoping to sing him - including the San Francisco 49s, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets. He was one of the most powerful and sought-after free agents in the history of the NFL.
Peyton announced his choice as the Denver Broncos and signed with the team in May 2012. The Broncos then made the decision to trade current quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets to make room for Peyton.
Broncos Head Coach John Fox and General Manager John Elway were both excited to welcome Peyton. They knew of his prowess on the field and hoped he would bring his winning Colts' record to the Broncos.
Peyton announced his choice as the Denver Broncos and signed with the team in May 2012. The Broncos then made the decision to trade current quarterback Tim Tebow to the New York Jets to make room for Peyton.
Broncos Head Coach John Fox and General Manager John Elway were both excited to welcome Peyton. They knew of his prowess on the field and hoped he would bring his winning Colts' record to the Broncos.
"I realize I don't have 14 years left, by any means. This isn't something where I'm just building a foundation to do something in two years or three years. This is a now situation. We're going to do whatever we can to win right now. That's all I'm thinking about right now." -Peyton Manning, 2012