Indianapolis Colts Cut Peyton Manning
By: Josh Rultenberg
Updated: March 7, 2012
After 14 years playing for the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Peyton Manning is leaving the team.
Manning and Colts Owner, Jim Irsay made the announcement at a Wednesday news conference.
If Manning had stayed with the Colts, the team would have had to pay him a $28 million roster bonus on Thursdasy.
Both men were clearly taken back by the news.
"It's a difficult day of shared pain between Peyton, myself, the fans," said Irsay.
Manning came to the Colts in 1998 as the number one pick in the NFL Draft.
He led his team to 11 playoffs, two conference championships and a Super Bowl victory.
However, last season, Manning suffered a neck injury that forced him to sit out the entire 2011 season and undergo four different surgeries. Doctors have cleared him to play again.
The 35-year old will become a free agent and several teams are expected to pursue him.
Manning had a message for his fans.
"To Colts fans everywhere.. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I have truly enjoyed being your quarterback. Thank you."
