Peyton Manning has reclaimed the starting job and ridden a strong Denver Broncos defense to the fourth Super Bowl appearance of his career. Win or lose in Super Bowl 50, here are five reasons why Manning should retire.
5. Age
Sean M. Haffey Getty ImagesManning will turn 40 in March, so it's hard to imagine him getting much healthier or regaining anywhere close to his peak form.
4. Poor Fit For Gary Kubiak's Offense
Justin Edmonds Getty Images
From the start, Gary Kubiak's run-oriented scheme that finds a way to use quarterback movement and Manning looked like a bad match. That mostly proved true early in the season, as Manning struggled with interceptions, and when Brock Osweiler took over Kubiak was able to use more of the playbook. Kubiak has navigated a tough quarterback situation well all season, but having to do it again next season will be increasingly difficult.
3. Going Out On A High Note
Christian Petersen Getty ImagesA second Super Bowl win would be the ideal finale to Manning's Hall of Fame career. But win or lose, if he is able to put together one last big passing day the opportunity to quit on a high note would be there.
2. Health Risk
Justin Edmonds Getty ImagesNeck surgery is definitely no picnic, and Manning's career was put on hold in 2011 due to multiple procedures on his neck. Sitting aside possibly increasing the risk of further injury by continuing to play, simply being in uniform looks like it's causing Manning pain at times.
1. Diminishing Returns and His Own Standards
Dustin Bradford Getty ImagesManning deserves credit for recognizing, and working within, his physical limitations since returning to action. But watching the holder of all the notable passing records in NFL history in a diminished state is a little sad, and what he is doing is surely not up to what Manning still expects from himself deep down.
