Peyton Manning: ‘Today I retire from pro football’

After 18 years in the NFL, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning announced his retirement today, saying in an emotional speech, “today, I retire from pro football.”

He said he’ll “absolutely” miss the game, from celebratory plane rides after a big win, to after his own games checking to see whether the New York Giants won and calling his brother Eli.

While other players were better, Manning, 39, said, “no one could out prepare me” and “because of that I have no regrets.”

He called his wife a motivator and said their children “have changed my life forever.” He also thanked the fans, citing “fan letters that have touched me, made me think, laugh and moved me to act.”

Manning said football has given him a “mighty platform” and his voice can now “echo well beyond the game.”

Manning concluded his speech: “God bless all of you and God bless football.”

Manning, the winningest quarterback in NFL history, said last month after his Super Bowl win that he would take his time deciding whether to return for a 19th season.

“I got some good advice from my old coach Tony Dungy,” Manning said, referring to his former Indianapolis Colts coach. “He told me just to take some time after this game and not make an emotional decision.”

Manning, a five-time MVP and two-time Super Bowl winner, is also the league’s all-time leader in passing yards — 71,940 — as well as touchdowns — 539.

Manning was expected to make at least $19 million next season.