The internet is abuzz today with word that long-time Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning will be released from the team’s roster. Colts President Jim Irsay is expected to announce the decision formally in a press conference March 7, at 12 PM Eastern Time.
Manning, the longtime face of the Colts and their de facto Coach on the Field, sat the entire 2011 season due to a series of neck injuries. His release today will free the Colts of a $28 million bonus owed to Manning and truncate the quarterback’s remaining four-year contractual obligation. It is also expected to make Manning the NFL’s most enticing free agent in a very long time.
The Colts hold the #1 draft pick for 2012, following their worst season in two decades, their first without Manning at the helm since he took the job in 1998.
Peyton Manning is currently trending on twitter, with a ton of attention to #Peyton, #Colts and #NFL. You’ll find a lot of lamentation there, as well as speculation about what colors the soon-to-be-free-agent will wind up wearing next. Here’s a taste of what football fans have to say:
It was a long,emotional flight…now the sun is trying to rise
BREAKING NEWS: Peyton Manning and the #Colts to part ways, as Indy becomes first in #NFL history to release their entire team all at once
Former Colts GM Bill Polian on our show: #Peyton can play in any offense with every o. coordinator. He can learn new terminology in 2 days.
So #Peyton Manning is now a free agent. What’s funny is that he knows more about most teams than they know about themselves!
If Rex Ryan wants to storm into #Peyton Manning’s press conference with a snack and a “Soon To Be Champs” t-shirt, I’m all for it. #Jets
Forget about where #Peyton MAY go, if you were Peyton where would YOU go? I’d play indoors with a stud WR… Hello @AZCardinals
You don’t hold a press conf to say your keeping a guy, so from all of us #18 fans I just want to say thank you for what you did for the city
And on personal note, thank you for being a LOYAL friend back in the day, you and your family will always be my FAM!!!!!
Are the #Colts supposed to pay him 28 million then draft a QB? Are they supposed to pass up drafting the best QB prospect maybe ever?
I will never root for the Colts again…Thanks 4 the Superbowl Peyton, I was there in my Manning Jersey surrounded by Bear fans! Best Wishes
I was a #Colts fan before Manning. I will remain a #Colts fan after Manning. Thankful for the memories #18 gave us! @JimIrsay
Somebody could make a fortune selling #Colts Crying Towels today.
While there’s a lot of uncertainty still surrounding Manning’s future, one thing’s for sure: a lot of Colts fans will be deciding today whether their allegiances lie with the team or its soon-to-be erstwhile star.