Indianapolis Colts say to retire No. 18 jersey in Peyton Manning’s honour-NFL news
Indianapolis Colts have decided to honour quarterback, Peyton Manning, by retiring his No. 18 jersey soon after confirming the player’s release on Wednesday, March 07, 2012.
Colts’ owner, Jim Irsay, made the emotional announcement while reflecting on Manning’s legacy, which will always be the trademark of the player’s professional career.
He said:
"I think the No. 18 jersey will never be worn again by a Colts player on the field.”
Irsay added:
“This process has been a long, difficult process. I know Peyton and I have had numerous conversations over the months. We tried to put each other in each other's shoes, and tried to realize what the situation was for the franchise, what it was for Peyton.
... In the end, the circumstances were too difficult to overcome."
He regretted that the team was going through a time of financial instability and said that the salary cap remained a main factor behind Manning’s waiver. However, he also said he would welcome the player back to Indianapolis anytime in future.
The owner was seen in tears and was saddened by the departure of the player, who also noted his release with the same level of sadness and despair.
Both were present during the news conference in which the decision was announced.
Peyton said:
“We covered all sorts of scenarios. These circumstances are not what either of us wish they were, but that's the reality. I am at peace with it."
Despite the emotional situation, both parties ensured keeping the atmosphere calm and asserted that the decision was reached amicably.
Both parties reportedly remained involved in extensive dialogue process during the month of February to work out an acceptable solution.
At that time, the owner had claimed that he wanted to retain Manning, but wanted the player to make the first call.
Although he did not invite Peyton to pass the team’s physicals in clearer terms, he subjected Manning’s return to declaring complete fitness by proving his strength in the physicals.
Now after Manning’s release, Irsay has attempted to offer appreciation to the player’s contribution towards Colts’ success during his 14-year association with the team.
Retiring of the QB’s jersey is believed to be the right step that the owner has taken to honour the player. This is a distinct and appropriate reward for the services he rendered for the team.
Peyton has not commented on Colts’ decision of retiring the jersey.
Meanwhile, Irsay is joined by a number of present and former Colts and NFL players, officials from Colts’ frontoffice and coaches, who have offered their praises and admiration to the player’s 14 years of successful football career.
The player himself is happy over the support and admiration he has earned from fans of the team and the American football.
His departure’s news was immediately flashed by almost all media outlets in and outside America, which shows the level of popularity he enjoys world over.
Tags: