Peyton Manning's Postgame Message To Bill Belichick: 'This Might Be My Last Rodeo'
(CBS) Sticking to form, Patriots coach Bill Belichick offered a simple reply when asked about his postgame conversation with Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning after Sunday's AFC Championship game.
"No," Belichick replied to the question.
The Broncos beat the Patriots, 20-18, and earned their way to Super Bowl 50. Manning is attempting to win his second career championship in four tries.
Manning and Belichick's Patriots have squared off many times before, several of these showdowns coming in the AFC Championship game.
Video from the exchange between Manning and Belichick picked up what was actually said.
"Hey, listen, this might be my last rodeo, so it sure has been a pleasure," Manning said to Belichick.
Speaking to Peter King of the MMQB, Manning expounded upon the idea that this could be his last run toward the Super Bowl.
"I didn't have that thought," Manning said. "I had a peaceful feeling going out onto that field. Not that I knew we were going to win by any means, I just had a peaceful feeling. I didn't add that to my plate, because there was a lot on it already. This has been — ah, a unique season. Today I did the same routine I've been doing the past couple weeks and tried to follow that."
The Broncos and Panthers square off on Feb. 7 on Super Bowl Sunday, with Manning seeking his second title.