Earlier today, NFL Films released some audio from the celebratory moments of last Sunday’s AFC Championship victory, and in doing so, they might have revealed a Peyton Manning secret.
As he tells Bill Belichick, “This might be my last rodeo.”
Their 20th career showdown?
Might've been the last.So Peyton met Belichick at midfield and… wow #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/YvvkE6Wxyw
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2016
Is this a surprise? Is this a secret? No, it is what it is.
It would have been surprising if Manning had decided to return for another season, especially after all he’s been through in the last six months, but if there’s one thing that could have sealed the deal, it’s a final trip to the Super Bowl. Whether he wins or not, this is lining up to be the moment The Sheriff rides off into the sunset one last time.
As Bleacher Report noted on Tuesday, Manning has already admitted that he’s been considering the possibility of retirement.
“I’d be lying if I said I’m not thinking about that,” Manning told, Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post earlier in the month.
Really, if there’s anything to take out of this clip, it’s that Peyton Manning truly is one of the classiest individuals in the NFL today.
If this is his last ride, and it almost certainly will be, he will be missed.