As soon as the Broncos announced that starting quarterback Peyton Manning would retire from the NFL following an illustrious 18-year career early Sunday morning, teammates (past and present), coaches and executives, as well as current and past rivals -- and even elected government officials -- took to social media to pay tribute to No. 18.
RELATED: Broncos players grateful to have played alongside Peyton Manning
Here are some of the reactions honoring Manning and his career:
DENVER BRONCOS
Thank you, Peyton, and congratulations on your magnificent 18-year NFL career! https://t.co/YdMt19tQ2i pic.twitter.com/jYDXpMmlUA
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 6, 2016
Every so often a player comes along who changes the way the game is played ...
? https://t.co/zqQVYEcuou pic.twitter.com/uJPQJjnx0m
— Broncos TV (@BroncosTV) March 6, 2016
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
One of the greatest to EVER take the field...
Here are the Top 10 moments of Peyton Manning's extraordinary career. https://t.co/EDVpXDKBYg
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2016
Thanks for the memories, Peyton Manning ?? pic.twitter.com/cdrpYt5jdE
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) March 6, 2016
539 TD passes.
More than anyone in NFL history.Peyton. Manning. ??? pic.twitter.com/DisSHPHNUR
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2016
COACHES AND OTHER FOOTBALL EXECUTIVES
Commissioner Roger Goodell on Peyton Manning's retirement. pic.twitter.com/geEDJiLS64
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 6, 2016
Peyton was everything we thought he was and even more - for our team & community. What an AMAZING career & we're thankful he was a Bronco!!
— John Elway (@johnelway) March 6, 2016
"His preparation was the best I’ve ever seen with how he went about his business. There was nothing like his work habits" Gary Kubiak
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 6, 2016
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians this morning on Peyton Manning: pic.twitter.com/BEtBxiIJFl
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) March 6, 2016
PAST AND PRESENT RIVALS
Congratulations Peyton, on an incredible career. You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better. It's been an honor.
Posted by Tom Brady on Sunday, March 6, 2016
Congratulations to Peyton Manning on his retirement announcement. Privilege to share the same @NFL field with a legend & @ProFootballHOF er
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) March 6, 2016
Much respect to the #Greatest TACKLING Quarterback to ever play the game! LOL. In all s... https://t.co/yIryHNeYi2 pic.twitter.com/KNPVvwEuzk
— Calais Campbell (@Campbell93) March 6, 2016
When I see all the records that #18 holds pic.twitter.com/U9Txcz2pK9
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) March 6, 2016
Peyton, you changed the way the position is played and taught. Your influence & legacy extend much further than your accolades. Thank you
— Trent Dilfer (@TDESPN) March 6, 2016
@PeytonManning wasn't just a Guy he was and is THE Guy. congratulations to a career alo... https://t.co/1NjfVPn4J0 pic.twitter.com/DP189PiScb
— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) March 6, 2016
Peyton is the man??#FarewellSheriff
— Vinny Curry (@MrGetFlee99) March 6, 2016
Damn all I wanted to do was sack Peyton so much for that
— Sharrif Floyd (@sharriffloyd) March 6, 2016
Congrats Peyton, you played the QB position & game to perfection. Showed generations, including my boys, how to be a pro. Enjoy retirement!
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) March 6, 2016
It was an honor and a privilege Peyton. #FarewellSheriff
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 6, 2016
What a great way to end a career. Peyton changed the game! One of the best to ever do it!
— Reshad Jones (@reshadjones9) March 6, 2016
What a career. Congrats, Peyton! pic.twitter.com/6aWnZyMLCb
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 6, 2016
Congratulations on a remarkable career, Peyton! pic.twitter.com/Rav1uvRNKm
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 6, 2016
#Respect
Posted by Green Bay Packers on Sunday, March 6, 2016
#ThankYouPeyton pic.twitter.com/ldCYgCfpF4
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 6, 2016
MEDIA AND SPORTS ANALYSTS
There have been so many Sundays dedicated to talking about, and watching, Peyton Manning. Fitting that news about him breaks on a Sunday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2016
1st All Time Passing Yards & Touchdowns.
A @Nationwide Financial retirement planner can assist you today Peyton.
Omaha!!— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) March 6, 2016
I remember a chat with a defensive coach in Balt around 1 am--asked when he was going home, "We play 18 this week, no time to sleep."
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 6, 2016
Congrats to Peyton on a stellar career. Can't wait to see what he does next between now and @ProFootballHOF in 2021.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) March 6, 2016
Von Miller's message to Peyton Manning:https://t.co/QtEBqTsd48
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) March 6, 2016
Peyton Manning is one of the greatest players I've ever seen. In any sport. Hell of a career.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 6, 2016
Easy to forget how much doubt hovered around Peyton Manning after the 4 neck surgeries. Since then: 1639-2479, 19,062 yds, 151 TDs, 59 INTs.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 6, 2016
Good Peyton Manning stuff fm Bill Polian: "What do you plan to do w/ the money?" PM after signing richest rookie deal: "I plan to earn it."
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) March 6, 2016
OTHER ATHLETES
Congrats to the best EVER! Peyton Manning! Thanks for GIVING US U!!!
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) March 6, 2016
Congrats on an amazing career #PeytonManning! We will miss you! #legend
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) March 6, 2016
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
"After a game-changing and record-breaking career, Peyton Manning is riding off into the sunset a Super Bowl champ. Thank you, Peyton, for the memories and for leading our team back to their championship ways. You will go down as one of the greatest of all time, not just for how you’ve changed the game but for uniting our Broncos as a team and our Denver community. We wish you the best!" - Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock
BRONCOS COUNTRY AND PEYTON FANS
Fans of Peyton Manning visited Sports Authority Field Sunday in honor of Manning's storied career. Broncos fans from across the state and even fans of other teams chimed in to Denver7 reporter Kyle Horan.
"I am a Colts fan," said Jessica Goodrich, who was visiting from Indiana. "[I] Got to see him get a ring with the Colts, got to see him get a ring with the Broncos."
"I'm an Cowboys fan, but I used to hate it when [they] played the Cowboys," said Michelle Mitchell. "Last minute, just always that last minute [Manning] would bring it out for the win."
"I feel like it's time for him. He might not think so," said Ajohntae Cunningham. "Peyton Manning, you're the one. The GOAT. (Greatest of all time.)"
"It's historic him going out on top just like Elway," said Ronnie Clodfelter.
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