Peyton Manning will become a free agent and wants to keep playing.
Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) -
It's the end of an era in the history of the Indianapolis Colts.
At a joint press conference Wednesday afternoon, Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed what had been heavily speculated for months: the team is parting ways with Peyton Manning.
"Peyton Manning has meant so much to the organization, the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and to Colts fans worldwide," Irsay said. "We salute Peyton for all he has accomplished on and off the field, and we wish him health and happiness as he moves forward."
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Sentimentality aside, Colts made right move
By Scott Garbarini, NFL Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
It's never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, as the watery eyes and quiver in the voices of Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning so distinctly illustrated on the day every Indianapolis Colts fan feared the most.
Wednesday's press conference that finalized Manning's long-suspected divorce from the organization he helped resurrect from the NFL's darkest depths during 14 predominantly spectacular years was an event rife with adoration, respect and a groundswell of gratitude between the two central characters of this offseason's most-followed melodrama, though citizens of Central Indiana were likely experiencing a different overflow of emotions. The sobering news has transformed their grieving stage from confused denial to all-out anger, even more so after Manning unequivocally stated that the only retirement that will be taking place involves the blue No. 18 jersey that will soon be hanging from the Lucas Oil Stadium rafters.
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