The NFL reacts to Peyton Manning’s retirement

Peyton Manning is retiring after 18 seasons in the NFL, and seemingly the entire league is paying tribute.

“It was a blessing to coach Peyton Manning,� Denver Coach Gary Kubiak said. “Nobody worked harder at the game, and nobody prepared harder than Peyton. His preparation was the best I’ve ever seen with how he went about his business. There was nothing like his work habits. Each and every week, he did everything he could to get ready to play, not only against the defense but against the coordinator.�

Brock Osweiler, a soon-to-be free agent who could become the Broncos’ next full-time starter, wrote on Instagram:

“I will be forever grateful for the four seasons that Peyton and I shared together in Denver. Peyton’s attention to detail, how he went about his preparation and his desire to win football games is what I will remember most. Peyton displays how to be the ultimate pro every single day. I am a better football player today because of my time spent with him. I congratulate him on a Hall of Fame career and wish him continued success in the future.�

It’s not just members of the organizations Manning played for who are paying their respects. New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick told ESPN:

“It is with great admiration that I congratulate Peyton Manning for his tremendous career in the National Football League. Peyton raised the bar as a performer and as a competitor and with a personal class in which he carried himself off the field. My relationship with Peyton is special, it is unique and it is one that I value greatly. For 18 years, we battled fiercely but regardless of each game’s outcome, I always walked off the field with the utmost appreciation for the highest level of competition in which those games were prepared for and played. Peyton’s immense contributions to the game reflect how genuinely passionate he is about it. I can honestly say that I never ‘enjoyed’ our meetings, but the respect I have for Peyton Manning as a competitor was, and will likely remain, second to none.�

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady wrote on Facebook: “Congratulations Peyton, on an incredible career. You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better. It’s been an honor.�