Peyton Manning, Colts say farewell
Quarterback Peyton Manning speaks during a news conference where he was released by the Indianapolis Colts. (March 7, 2012) Credit: AP
Peyton Manning will be playing elsewhere in 2012, but one thing won't change for the man who changed the face of football in Indianapolis during a 14-year career that will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"I will always be a Colt," he said at a news conference Wednesday to announce his release by the team. "That'll never change."
Manning forever will be tied to the franchise for which he set every important passing record, earned a record four MVP awards, won a Super Bowl and went to another. The rebuilding Colts, facing intense salary-cap pressure, couldn't afford to keep their prized quarterback after he missed last season with neck problems.
"In life and in sports, nothing lasts forever," said Manning, who underwent four surgeries on his neck in the last two years. "It truly has been an honor to play in Indianapolis. I do love it here. I love the fans and I will always enjoy having played for such a great team."
Manning, who turns 36 March 24, said he wants to continue his career but isn't sure where he'll play. Among the teams expected to have interest: the Jets, Dolphins, Redskins, Cardinals, Seahawks, Chiefs and possibly others. Even the Broncos, who went to the playoffs behind Tim Tebow, reportedly have expressed an interest in Manning.
"I haven't thought yet about where I'll play, but I have thought a lot about where I've been," he said. "I've truly been blessed to play here, to be in the NFL. And as I go, I want to address Colts fans everywhere: Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback."
Manning owns a home in South Florida, where he returned last night, and he will continue to rehab there. "I have no idea who wants me, what team wants me,'' he told reporters in Florida. "I don't know if it's like college recruiting where you take visits. It's all new to me."
Manning has been working out for several months and has improved to the point where he is nearly ready to resume his regular regimen.
Earlier, in Indianapolis, he said, "I'm feeling closer and closer. It sure feels comfortable, feels kind of like home being out there . For me not being able to go out on the field . . . that was difficult. I still have some work to do, but I look forward to doing that work and to keep making progress."
Manning was placed on waivers Wednesday afternoon and is free to sign with another club. "I don't want to retire," he said. "I still want to play. I love playing quarterback."
Team owner Jim Irsay said the circumstances surrounding Manning's situation led to the decision to release him. Manning was due a $28-million roster bonus Thursday if the Colts wanted to retain him. "I think people lose track of the salary cap," Irsay said. "Just to sign our draft picks, we're going to have to make more roster moves."
Irsay said he had many discussions with Manning in recent weeks to review the quarterback's situation as it related to the Colts' future. Irsay decided he had to move on and resume rebuilding, which the team hasn't done since it drafted Manning first overall in 1998. The Colts, who also will draft first this year, are expected to select either Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck or Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
"In the history of sports through the last century, there's been a handful of Hall of Fame great players that have done incredible things for franchises," Irsay said. "In my heart and the hearts of our fans, it's unparalleled . It's a difficult day here of shared pain between Peyton, myself, the fans, everyone."
Irsay said the Colts would retire Manning's No. 18 jersey.
"This day is difficult because of the greatness Peyton has done for our city, our state and our franchise," he said. "There will be no other Peyton Manning."
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