Most of the sports world tuned into the Peyton Manning press conference to see what was next for the long-time Indianapolis Colts quarterback. As a majority of you did, I watched the presser with eyes and ears wide open and have gathered some of the highlights from the press conference.
Tears were aplenty and some brilliant quotes were delivered. Here they are:
Jim Irsay Quotes
“We are here to announce the conclusion of Peyton’s playing career with the Colts. We are here just as much to honor all of the incredible moments and incredible memories that he has done for the city.”
“The 18 jersey will never be worn again by a Colt on the field.”
“In the end, those circumstances were too difficult to overcome. Circumstances that dictated to us and the franchise that really were unavoidable.”
“As we are going forward and being a rebuilding team with salary cap problems and Peyton is on the mend to try to resume his career. We both wanted to be together. It has been very difficult and just tearing at our hearts just looking at the situation and trying to find the best solution.”
“In the end, before we got into any specifics, it has never been about money or those type of things.”
“We are very blessed to be here together with the type of experiences that we have gone through together. All the things that we have been through, it is an incredible blessing. As difficult as this day is. It is made difficult because of all the things that Peyton has done for our city, state and our franchise. There will never be another Peyton Manning.”
“When I look down the road and see the many decades moving forward that we will share together and how he is always part of the horseshoe.”
“I can’t thank him enough. I think that when I look back and reflect on everything that happened — whenever we went on the road, the circus was coming into town — Peyton was the ring leader.”
“As a franchise, where we are right now with the salary cap, where we are with rebuilding. We are definitely a few years away. I want to see him come back and play great. It’s just here, like in 2001 when he was healthy and we didn’t have everything to surround him, I want that opportunity for him as well; to succeed at the end of his career.”
Peyton Manning Quotes
“I sure have loved playing football with the Indianapolis Colts. For 14 years, the only football I have known is Colts football.”
“I have been a Colt for almost my entire adult life, but nothing lasts forever.”
“Our circumstances make it best for us to take the next step. This has not been easy for Jim and it has certainly not been easy for me. Jim and I have always been close and Jim, I will be forever grateful.”
“This town and this team means so much to me. It truly has been an honor to play in Indianapolis. I will leave the Colts with nothing but great thoughts of gratitude to Jim, the organization, the media and certainly the fans.”
“I haven’t thought much about where I will play, but I have thought a lot about where I have been.”
“As I go, I have a few words left to say to Colts fans everywhere. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback.”
“I’m not leaving Indianapolis. I’m just not going to be with the Colts.”
“It certainly has been emotional and it has weighed real heavy on my heart, but I am at peace with it.”
“I will always be a Colt. That’ll never change and Jim has certainly made me feel welcome after this to come by here anytime. It has been fun. They have been great memories. I have nothing but appreciation.”
“I am throwing really well. I still have a lot of work to do and a lot of progress to make, but I really enjoy being back out there.”
“I don’t want to retire. I still want to play.”
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