Sports

Reaction To Quarterback Peyton Manning's Retirement

March 7, 2016 / 10:04 AM EST / CBS Detroit

The Associated Press

Five-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning is retiring from the NFL. Reaction to his retirement follows:

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NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL

"Peyton Manning's extraordinary career was driven by his talent, an incredible work ethic and an unwavering desire to be the best and ended so perfectly for him with a Super Bowl victory. Peyton's competitive fire and love of the game made him a legendary player who thrilled fans for a generation. He has served as a great representative of the NFL both on the field and in his community. We are forever grateful for Peyton's unmatched contributions to the game and know his success will continue in the next phase of his life."

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS QUARTERBACK TOM BRADY

"Congratulations Peyton, on an incredible career. You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better. It's been an honor."

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DENVER BRONCOS GENERAL MANAGER JOHN ELWAY

"Peyton was a player that guys wanted to play with. That made us better as a team, and I'm thrilled that we were able to win a championship in his final year. Peyton won a lot of awards and set a lot of records, but to me, what he helped our team accomplish during the last four years is what stands out the most. I'm very thankful Peyton chose to play for the Denver Broncos and I congratulate him on his Hall of Fame career."

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DENVER BRONCOS COACH GARY KUBIAK

"It was a blessing to coach Peyton Manning. Nobody worked harder at the game and nobody prepared harder than Peyton. ... After competing against Peyton many, many times, I already had great respect for him. But being with him this season, going through what we went through and accomplishing what we accomplished, that was special. He and I battled together and along the way we talked about dreaming that it could end the way it ended. And I'll be damned, it did."

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DENVER BRONCOS PRESIDENT AND CEO JOE ELLIS

"Our team, our organization and our community are all better because of Peyton Manning. He raised the performance of those around him and raised the level of excellence here. Peyton's been a first-class ambassador who did things the right way and had such a positive impact on the Broncos. We look forward to celebrating his future induction into both the Broncos' Ring of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

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INDIANAPOLS COLTS OWNER AND CEO JIM IRSAY

"Few have left their marks on a sport as Peyton Manning has. Simply put, he revolutionized NFL football. Peyton energized it as had no one before him, he made it more fun for our fans, and made the game better. Off the field, Peyton has been a tremendous ambassador for the game and the epitome of someone who gives back to the community. He is the most recognizable face in the history of the NFL, and perhaps its most popular. I will miss seeing No. 18 on the field on Sundays and I am proud and thankful for all he's done for the Colts, our community, and the NFL. On behalf of Colts and NFL fans worldwide, I thank Peyton and congratulate him on an incredible career."

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LIONS HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL, WHO COACHED MANNING IN INDIANAPOLIS

"There will never be another Peyton Manning. While his records, Super Bowls and on-the-field accomplishments speak for themselves, what impressed me most about Peyton was his quest for being the very best. He was as driven and committed as anyone I've ever been around. While he obviously had tremendous God-given ability, Peyton's preparation, dedication and commitment suggested otherwise. It was unparalleled. There wasn't a day that went by that he wasn't working to get better.

"In many ways, he prepared each and every day as if he were a free-agent trying to earn a spot on an NFL roster. He was driven to be the best. I will forever cherish the 10 years I had with Peyton. His approach and commitment to the game made all of us who coached and played with him better. And while he expected the best from his coaches and teammates, he still held himself to the highest standard of all. That approach, combined with his physical ability, made him one of the greatest to ever play the game."

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FORMER UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE COACH PHILLIP FULMER, WHO COAHED MANNING IN COLLEGE

"It's almost magical what happened at Denver with two Super Bowls in three years and winning that one at the end there after having his struggles with the injury and just being the ultimate team guy. You almost knew when he went in against Pittsburgh and completed that first pass. I know I'm biased as can be, but you just felt it. From that point on, it was incredible. It's great that he's played all kinds of roles. Lots of times the best player — most of the time the best player — and this year being the guy that just had to make sure he's efficient enough that the offense did enough to win. Quite impressive."

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FORMER NBA GREAT ALLEN IVERSON on Twitter

"Congrats to the best EVER! Peyton Manning! Thanks for GIVING US U!!!"

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DENVER BRONCOS CORNERBACK CHRIS HARRIS JR. on Twitter

"The competition in practice is what I'll remember the most."

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DENVER BRONCOS WIDE RECEIVER BENNIE FOWLER, WHO GAVE MANNING THE FOOTBALL FROM HIS 2-POINT CONVERSION CATCH IN SUPER BOWL 50, on Twitter

"So it's official I caught p money's last pass wow what a blessing shout-out to the sheriff on a great career!"

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84-YEAR-OLD FOOTBALL FAN JOE BECKES OF BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA, ON MANNING'S SECOND SUPER BOWL WIN

"I think he was lucky to win it, but he won it and that's all that counts."

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DENVER BRONCOS LINEBACKER BRANDON MARSHALL on Instagram

"P MONEY!! It's been a pleasure. That year I had on practice squad, just going against you every day made me a better player. Made me a smarter player. And I've learned so much about the game of football from you. At the end of 2013 you helped me get to the position where I could get up on the active roster and have a pivotal role on the team in 2014. Now I'm happy to say that in 2016 I was a part of the group that helped you win your second ring. Thank you for all you've done, not only for me but for the city of Denver and the game of football. It's been an amazing ride. Now you get to ride off into the sunset on TOP of the game. As the best to ever do it in my opinion. The G.O.A.T."

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL