Peyton Manning is not saying that Super Bowl 50 is his grand finale, he is just saying it might be.
NFL Network cameras caught an intriguing exchange between Manning and New England coach Bill Belichick after Denver’s 20-18 win over the Patriots in the AFC championship game on Sunday.
When they embraced, Manning leaned in and told Belichick: “Hey listen, this might be my last rodeo. So, it sure has been a pleasure.”
Belichick responded: “You’re a great competitor.”
Neither spoke of their exchange afterward.
Earlier this month, Manning said: “I’d be lying if I said I’m not thinking about that,” when asked if this could be it for him.
The five-time MVP’s season ends on Feb. 7 in the Super Bowl against Carolina.
There are other signs that Manning is preparing as if he could ride into retirement next month.
He let his little boy stand beside him during his news conference after the AFC championship, just as he had taken him to the sideline before one of the games he missed in December last year.
These are things the manically focused Manning never had done before.
Long after the delirious crowd disappeared on Sunday night, Manning walked through the north end zone at Sports Authority Field with his family, picked up pieces of thin blue and orange confetti and took in the scene.
Pushing 40, Manning will be the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl when he takes the field for his 293rd career game, including 27 post-season appearances.
It is a chance for Manning to cap his most maddening season by becoming the first starting QB to win Lombardi Trophies for two different teams.
No. 18’s 18th NFL season was his most trying. It included a rash of injuries and insults and saw him serve as a scout team quarterback for the first time ever and a backup quarterback for the first time since his freshman college year at Tennessee.
Bothered by a left foot injury, Manning threw just nine touchdown passes and 17 interceptions in nine starts, but he was 7-2 in those games, one of the losses coming against Kansas City on Nov. 15 when he left the game injured.
He missed the next seven starts, but won his starting job back from Brock Osweiler on Jan. 3 when he entered in the third quarter against San Diego and ignited a stagnant, mistake-prone offense.
While Manning was sidelined, several unsubstantiated reports painted the face of the league as a bad teammate or a cheat.
The NFL Network alleged he would refuse to serve as Osweiler’s backup once healthy and al-Jazeera reported Manning obtained human growth hormone (HGH) from an anti-aging clinic in Indianapolis, although his accuser recanted.
The NFL said it is conducting a comprehensive review of the HGH allegations, a probe that is not expected to be complete until after the Super Bowl.
Manning angrily denied using performance-enhancing substances and called the report “complete garbage.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely