Peyton Manning stood in the hallway after the Super Bowl with champagne in his hands and the title of Super Bowl Champion.

That night he was asked about his future in the NFL and whether this season would be his last. On Sunday morning, he announced his retirement from the NFL. It seemed to be a fairy tale ending to his 18-year career and was a fitting end as he tied his younger brother’s rings as well. He was a 14-time pro-bowler, won two super bowls, was a five-time MVP, and had many more accolades to add to his legendary career.

“There’s just something about 18 years; 18 is a good number, and today I retire from pro football,” said Peyton as he was holding back tears.

Tom Brady was one of the first to hear about Manning’s retirement as he got a phone call from Manning that gave him the news. Brady and Manning competed 17 times and played in competitive game throughout the years. They watched each other’s games grow and had one final game in the 2016 AFC Championship Game. Peyton ended up besting Brady and ended the rivalry fittingly.

WHHS freshman George Valdez says, “Brady is pretty old too. If he retired I’m sure people would stop watching football because those two were the best in the game.”

The Broncos, the team that Peyton will leave behind, must find a new quarterback but there will be none other like the 20-year old that the colts drafted out of the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning.