We’ve known for some time that Peyton Manning would retire, but it wasn’t immediately clear whether the Broncos would place him on the reserve/retired list or simply release him. Today, we have our answer, as the Broncos have officially placed Manning on the reserve/retired list. Now, if Manning ever does decide to return to football, the Broncos will retain his rights. 
Manning decided to retire from the NFL over the weekend, leaving the sport as a two-time Super Bowl champion and a shoe-in Hall of Famer. No. 18 leaves the game as the league’s all-time leader in total wins by a QB (200), passing yards (71,940), and passing touchdowns (539) and also leaves the sport as the highest-paid player in league history. Over his career, Manning has netted roughly a quarter-billion dollars, and that’s before considering his sponsorship deals.
Manning evened the score with brother Eli Manning when he secured his second Super Bowl ring, but Manning had a tumultuous year to say the least. Manning struggled mightily to open the season but many didn’t notice as the Broncos came out of the gate 7-0 thanks to their defense. Soon after that, however, Manning’s decline became quite apparent to all observers. The Broncos eventually installed Brock Osweiler as their starting QB and it wasn’t until Week 17 when they put the Sheriff back in the starting role.
Nevertheless, Manning leaves the game as one of the very best quarterbacks of all-time. And, if he ever pulls a Brett Favre, the Broncos will own his NFL rights.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Automatic HoF no need to vote if you ask me