In a situation that was unthinkable only a year ago, Peyton Manning is now a free agent.
In one of the most tear-jerking press conference in recent memory, quarterback Peyton Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay jointly announced Manning’s release by the Colts.
Both men spoke, and conveyed that after much deliberation, it was a mutual decision. And both men broke down with emotion at times during their prepared comments.
“I sure have loved playing football for the Indianapolis Colts,” Manning said.
“For 14 wonderful years, the only professional football I’ve known has been Colts football,” Manning said. “Our team won a lot of games here. I played with so many great teammates here.”
“I guess that in life and in sports, nothing lasts forever.”
While there is much speculation about where he will play next, today was about Manning looking back at the time he has spent in Indianapolis. Perhaps no player is as much a part of the city they play in as Manning has been in Indianapolis. His voice cracked as he addressed the fans.
“It truly has been an honor to play in Indianapolis. I do love it here. I love the fans. I will always enjoy having played for such a great team,” Manning said. “I haven’t thought yet about where I’ll play, but I have thought a lot about where I’ve been. I’ve been blessed. I’ve been blessed to play here, and I’ve been blessed to play in the NFL.”
He closed his comments with a direct message, “To colts fans everywhere, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback.”
Manning also spoke about his relationship with Irsay. “This has not been easy for Jim and it certainly has not been easy for me,” Manning said. “Jim and I have always been close, and we made a lot of great memories together.”
And he turned and spoke directly to Irsay, saying, “Jim, I will always be forever grateful.”
Irsay said in his comments, “It’s never been about money. It’s never been about those kinds of things.”
“As an owner, and having Peyton as a friend and as a player, and all of the things that we’ve been through… as difficult as this day is, it’s made difficult by the greatness and the things that Peyton has done for our city, our state and our franchise.”
“He’s always part of the horseshoe. I can’t thank him enough.”
Irsay also added, “There is no other Peyton Manning…. We’ve been so blessed to have him.”
“The good times we had together and the laughs we shared together, growing up together in the organization. When a 37 year old owner met a 22 year old player coming out of Tennessee, and the dreams that we had and experienced are just beyond my imagination.”
Now Manning will have to look ahead for where he will play next, but the Colts fans will have a lot of great memories to hold onto.
