Peyton Manning to Retire: Twitter Reacts to QB's Decision

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After 14 Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro selections, five MVPs, two Super Bowl rings and countless records, Peyton Manning is stepping away from football.

"When you look at everything Peyton has accomplished as a player and person, it's easy to see how fortunate we've been to have him on our team," Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said in a statement, via Ben Swanson of the team's official website.

"Peyton was everything that we thought he was and even more—not only for the football team but in the community," Elway added. "I'm very thankful Peyton chose to play for the Denver Broncos, and I congratulate him on his Hall of Fame career."

The Indianapolis Colts, Manning's team for most of his NFL career, sent out their thanks:

The NFL and its UK branch also honored Manning:

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Manning finished his career with 71,940 passing yards and 539 passing touchdowns, both NFL records. He is also tied with Brett Favre for most regular-season wins (186).

Albert Breer of NFL Network pointed out how much of Manning's on-field work came after four neck surgeries nearly ended his career:

Now that Manning will have a lot of free time, golf legend Tiger Woods is looking forward to spending time with Manning on the golf course:

Von Miller, the Broncos' Super Bowl MVP, took the time to thank Manning for his contributions to the game and his team, via AtTheBuzzer:

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report offered his analysis as well:

Manning was drafted first overall by the Colts out of Tennessee in 1998. As Trey Wingo of ESPN noted, he is not the last remaining player from that class:

Matt Hasselbeck, of course, was a relatively anonymous sixth-round pick who has held on as a backup in Indianapolis the last few years. The Colts are planning to move on from Hasselbeck, so it's possible that the Class of 1998's playing days are over.

Manning's always had a sense of humor, and Sports on Earth shared its favorite funny Manning moment:

As for the on-field implications of Manning's retirement, the Broncos have to find a new starting quarterback. That likely puts free-agent-to-be Brock Osweiler in a position of power. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Denver's negotiations with the Arizona State product:

RJ Bell of Pregame.com noted the Vegas implications:

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports stated his take on where Manning ranks all-time:

Prisco also pointed out a stat that may irk some New England Patriots fans:

For his part, Tom Brady also wished his counterpart well in retirement:

Another former foe, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, also spoke on Manning's decision:

Whether you have Manning ranked first, second or eighth all-time, he's a no-doubt first-ballot Hall of Famer who will go down as one of the best players of his generation. He helped revolutionize the sport, ushering in a pass-happy era that has shown no signs of slowing down.

Twenty years from now, perhaps Manning's numbers will look like relics. Maybe the Andrew Lucks of the world will shatter his marks in the same way Terry Bradshaw's numbers pale in comparison to Manning's. But without Manning, the game as it is today may never have evolved.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.