Peyton Manning: Retires from NFL

Manning will announce his retirement from professional football on Monday, Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports.

In a widely anticipated decision, Manning, who was set to turn 40 later this month, will hang up his cleats after claiming the second Super Bowl title of his career in February. Manning's play declined considerably this season, as evidenced by his 9:17 touchdown-to-interception ratio and meager 6.7 yards per pass attempt, while a torn plantar fascia in his left foot also inhibited him in the second half of the campaign. Though it was believed that other teams could still be interested in bringing him aboard had the Broncos cut him loose when his 2016 contract became guaranteed March 8, Manning will instead leave the game while on top and while holding sole possession of many NFL records. The five-time league MVP is the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes for a career (539) and single season (55 in 2013), passing yardage (71,940), and victories by a quarterback (186). Manning's departure leaves Brock Osweiler as the top quarterback on the Broncos' depth chart, though it's uncertain if the team is comfortable proceeding with him as the starter heading into 2016.