Indianapolis Colts cut quarterback Peyton Manning

**Laurent** · March 7th, 2012, 01:09 PM

Peyton Manning Fights Back Tears --I'm DONE In Indy

3/7/2012 8:57 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF

Peyton Manning and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay have made it official ... Manning's playing days in Indy are over ... but the team plans to RETIRE Manning's #18 jersey, stat.

Fighting back tears ... an extremely emotional Peyton addressed Colts fans ... saying, "Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback."

Peyton -- who's been plagued with neck injuries -- said he's confident he'll play in the NFL again ... but says he hasn't thought about which team he'll join next.

Manning talked about his recovery ... saying, "I've got some progress to make ... but I've come a long way. I really enjoy being back out there."

Irsay -- who was equally emotional and also battled tears -- explained his decision to cut Peyton by saying, "[The Colts are] rebuilding a team with a salary cap problem."

Peyton was due to make a $28 million bonus with the Colts tomorrow as part of a 5-year $90 million deal -- but Irsay decided to release him before the payout.

Still, Irsay made it clear ... "The 18 jersey will never be worn again by a Colt on the field."

He continued, "We're here very much as well to honor all the incredible memories and incredible things that he's done for the franchise ... for the city ... for the state ... I can't thank [Peyton] enough."

A reporter asked why Peyton didn't retire as a Colt -- and Peyton replied, "I don't want to retire. I still want to play."

Peyton Manning Fights Back Tears -- I'm Done in Indy | TMZ.com

Video of the announcement at the link.

Figured it was coming, but still sorta surprising.

**gas_chick** · March 7th, 2012, 01:20 PM

I feel for him but I think he should just retire. I don't think he'll come back half as good as he was due to this injury.

**SHELLEE** · March 7th, 2012, 01:27 PM

I think he might come to the Dolphins.

**greysfang** · March 7th, 2012, 01:28 PM

Like I said on Twitter, of course those Manning boys will have neck problems, have you seen the size of those heads? Just keeping them upright is an unparalleled feat of athleticism. Their mama should get an MVP for birthing out those monsters.

**shedevilang** · March 7th, 2012, 02:15 PM

Awww this makes me kinda sad, I like him

**SHELLEE** · March 7th, 2012, 04:13 PM

Well his plane landed in Miami an hour ago and now the news helicopters are following his suv down the turnpike right now wasting all sorts of fuel. It's reminds me of the OJ chase.

**laynes** · March 7th, 2012, 04:57 PM

Peyton is such a class act. That almost made me cry. Indy will be lucky to get someone with 1/4 his talent.

**JadeStar70** · March 7th, 2012, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by greysfang

Like I said on Twitter, of course those Manning boys will have neck problems, have you seen the size of those heads? Just keeping them upright is an unparalleled feat of athleticism. Their mama should get an MVP for birthing out those monsters.

**msdeb** · March 7th, 2012, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by greysfang

Like I said on Twitter, of course those Manning boys will have neck problems, have you seen the size of those heads? Just keeping them upright is an unparalleled feat of athleticism. Their mama should get an MVP for birthing out those monsters.

**greysfang** · March 9th, 2012, 07:39 PM

The Chiefs are the third most likely to land Peyton, according to odds set by Sportsbook.com. The Miami Dolphins are even odds, the Arizona Cardinals are at 4.5 to 1 and the Chiefs are at 6 to 1.

News Headlines

**giggles with glee** I don't even want him really. I would just love it if the Chiefs beat out everybody else though.

**SHELLEE** · March 9th, 2012, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by greysfang

**giggles with glee** I don't even want him really. I would just love it if the Chiefs beat out everybody else though.

It's on.

**greysfang** · March 9th, 2012, 09:02 PM

If I was stuck with Moore, I'd be ready to fight too, bless your heart.

**SHELLEE** · March 9th, 2012, 09:05 PM

I really like Moore, Peyton will help him get even better.

**fgg** · March 19th, 2012, 11:25 AM

Report: Peyton Manning decides on the Denver Broncos

Per Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Peyton Manning has made his decision ... and he's taking his talent to the Mile High City. Mort reported that Manning had advised agent Tom Condon to wrap up negotiations on what ia believed to be a five-year, $90 million offer.

Manning threw for VP of Operations John Elway and a large group of Broncos and executives and coaches on Friday in North Carolina, and Elway was impressed.

"We enjoyed visiting with Peyton today in N.C.," Elway tweeted on Friday. "He threw the ball great and looked very comfortable out there. Watching him throw today was the next step in this important process for our team and Peyton. It was a productive visit and went well."

Manning had also thrown for the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans, who had offered similar contracts. Stay tuned for more details -- of course, we'll have much more on this story.