National Football League

Did Peyton Manning tip off his retirement plans by plugging Budweiser?

Published Feb. 7, 2016 10:18 p.m. ET

Dan Graf

Peyton Manning didn’t say he was ready to retire after the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 win, but he did say something that he sure shouldn’t have said if he isn’t ending his 18-year NFL career.

"You know, I'll take some time to reflect,” Manning told CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson after his team beat the Panthers, 24-10. “I've got a couple priorities first. I want to kiss my wife and kids. I want to hug my family. I'm going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight, Tracy. I promise you that. I'm going to take care of those things first. Then I'm going to say a little prayer and thank the man upstairs for this opportunity."

What you heard: I’m not going to take the spotlight away from my teammates tonight, but I’m sure leaning toward retirement.

What you may have missed: Active NFL players can't endorse alcohol companies on air, no matter how much they might like a beer after a big win.

So either the 39-year-old five-time MVP really couldn’t contain his love for Budweiser or the face of Papa John’s and Nationwide started another beautiful relationship Sunday night knowing full well he won’t be playing another NFL game.