Peyton Manning’s 14-year career with the Indianapolis Colts officially ended Wednesday with an emotional press conference at the Colts complex.
“It’s certainly been emotional,” Manning said of the departure. “It’s weighed heavy on my heart. But I am at peace with it.”
Colts owner Jim Irsay made the gutsy decision to release the four-time NFL MVP to avoid paying Manning a $28 million roster bonus and not to pick up the four years remaining on his five-year $90 million contract making him a much sought after free agent. There was also the impending NFL draft in June where the Colts own the No. 1 pick after going 2-14 last season without Manning due to his third neck surgery in 19 months, a fusion of two vertebrae. The Colts will likely pick Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
“It’s a difficult day of shared pain between Peyton, myself and the fans,” said Irsay. “This process has been a long and difficult one. (Peyton and I) tried to put each other in each other’s shoes and try to realize what the situation was for the franchise and for Peyton. In the end, those circumstances were too difficult to overcome.”
Manning will officially become a free agent once the Colts submit his release to the NFL, the league processes it and places his name on the waiver wire. Free agency begins Tuesday, but Manning can sign with another NFL team immediately after the Colts formally release him.
Irsay said that Manning’s No. 18, “will never be worn again by a member of the Colts.”
It will likely be difficult for fans when the Colts open their season in October and for the first time since 1998, Manning doesn’t run out of the tunnel. It will be tough for Manning as well.
“I’ve been a Colt for almost all of my adult life but we all know that in life and in sports, nothing last forever,” Manning said. “This town and this team mean so much to me. It’s been truly an honor to play in Indianapolis. I will leave the Colts with nothing but good thoughts and gratitude.”
Irsay and Manning agreed that the decision wasn’t financially driven evidenced by the fact the owner chose not to engage in negotiations to restructure Manning’s contract. Irsay was mindful, however, that the Colts are in a rebuilding phase and the amount of money the organization had to spend under the salary cap.
Asked about his health Manning said that he’s feeling closer to full strength. He added that he has thrown to Colts receivers Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, and has taken snaps from center Jeff Saturday.
Manning said he doesn’t want to retire and isn’t sure where he will play next.
“I’m not leaving Indianapolis,” he said. “I’m leaving the Colts.”
