“I’m not going to get into what-if scenarios,” is what Peyton Manning said postgame regarding the possibility of playing his final game against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. He wasn’t very interested in talking about absolutes but he had a different message for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after facing him for the 24th time in his career. 

What Peyton said to Belichick from @NFLTotalAccess. @MileHighReport@dmac1043@TheBroncosWire@VicLombardipic.twitter.com/iy1PHaS9LH

— ARD (@ARDFootball) January 26, 2016

“This might be my last rodeo, so it’s been a pleasure.”

Not a surprise considering how unique this season has been for Manning. Regardless of what happens in Super Bowl 50, this will be the closest Manning has been to the idea of ‘going out on top’, leading the Broncos to their second Super Bowl appearance in 3 seasons.

It’s just strange to hear the finality from ‘the Sheriff’ himself who has time and time again left the door open for his possible return. Manning seemed to really appreciate the moment on Sunday, advice he received from Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak. “Coach Kubiak talked about it during the week, about soaking it up for everybody,” Manning said. “He mentioned DeMarcus (Ware), the year that he’s had and the limited amount of playoff games he’s been in. It’s not something that you take for granted. No matter how old you are, whether you’re coach Kubiak, Wade Phillips or Taurean Nixon, our rookie corner who just got activated this week in time for the AFC Championship and Super Bowl, so to enjoy that and soak it up, it’s the games and the fans and the moments with your family after the game as well.”

Broncos country has the next two weeks to soak up as much as they can of Manning gearing up for one last rodeo.