NFL: Will Peyton Manning Retire After Super Bowl 50?
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be playing in the third Super Bowl of his career, which could also be his final game in the NFL, as recent rumors indicated he is planning to retire after the season.
But when asked about his plans beyond the season, the 39-year-old quarterback said that he is not yet thinking of his possible retirement, as he is focused on their upcoming Super Bowl 50 showdown against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
"I don't know the answer to that," Manning told Marshall Faulk of NFL Network, via Yahoo Sports. "I think one thing I've done well all season and the team has done well all season is stay in the moment and focus on the task at hand."
Talks about Manning's retirement started to circulate after he was forced to miss the majority of the season because of a foot injury. NFL insider Ian Rapoport also reported on Monday that sources close to Manning were already informed about the superstar quarterback's plan to retire after the season.
"The reality is he let the cat out of the bag a little bit," Rapoport told NFL.com. "I also know he has told close friends that he expects this to be his last game as well."
Following their victory against the New England Patriots in the AFC title game, Manning was reportedly seen telling coach Bill Belichick that this season could be his farewell year. "Hey, listen, this might be my last rodeo," Manning told Belichick. "So it sure has been a pleasure."
But Manning, who is looking to win his second Lombardi Trophy in four Super Bowl appearances, reiterated that he will not think about his future until after the season.
Meanwhile, Manning also addressed the reports linking him to use of performance-enhancing drugs. An Al Jazeera report claimed that Manning bought HGH while he was still with the Indianapolis Colts. The report indicated that the HGH were shipped to Manning's wife so that the NFL superstar will avoid punishment.
Manning vehemently denied that accusation, and said the NFL will find nothing after the investigation, which will reportedly take place after the season.
"I know exactly what they're going to find - a big fat nothing," Manning said. "I respect the rules and regulations of the NFL. They're important to me. It's been completely fabricated what that story alleged that I did. Complete junk. That's what I have to say about it."
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