Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning reportedly will jilt the Colts, opt to retire as a Bronco

Published Mar. 21, 2016 4:38 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

Peyton Manning authored his Hall of Fame career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts, but it appears he won't be retiring as a member of his original team.

Despite holding a news conference for Peyton where the Colts announced they will construct a statue for him and retire his No. 18 jersey, the five-time MVP will opt to retire as a member of the Broncos, Dave Furst of WRTV in Indy reported Monday.

Sources tell me Peyton thought hard about "retiring as a member of #Colts." Gave serious consideration. But, ultimately decided no.
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) March 17, 2016

This is quite a stunning move by Peyton, who spent his first 14 years with the Colts, helping the franchise win the Super Bowl in 2006. He racked up 54,828 yards and 399 passing touchdowns in Indy, a bulk of his Hall of Fame production.

The Colts moved on from Peyton after he missed the entire 2011 season due to neck surgery. Indianapolis picked Andrew Luck with the No. 1 pick in 2012.

Manning joined the Broncos in 2012 and proved he could still play. He threw for an NFL record 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns in 2013, winning his fifth MVP. He helped the Broncos will the Super Bowl in February.