DENVER, CO – Peyton Manning has always been recognized as a beacon of class and respect not just on the field but off, and what better way to end his career than one more.
Manning reportedly told ESPN’s Chris Mortenson, who’s currently battling throat cancer he was retiring, letting him be the first to report the news as a respectful salute to the analyst whom Manning is relatively close to.
Even Mortenson’s competitors respected Manning’s decision, Jay Glazer and Peter King notably.
Happy for Peyton Manning riding off on his own terms… happier that @mortreport kicked my ass on this story!
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 6, 2016
Mort breaks it. https://t.co/w3IOFIj2g8 — Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) March 6, 2016
The 64-year-old Morteneson broke news of his stage 4 cancer earlier in January of this year.
Ron Borges, who has covered the NFL many moons for the Boston Herald, tweeted: “Kudos to Mort. Can’t keep a tough guy down! Great get.” And ofcourse ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mortensen’s college who the two together worked closely for many years covering and reporting on the NFL tweeted: “Mort’s the man.”
Mort’s The Man.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2016
A kind gesture by Manning which maybe went over the heads of most should be appreciated.
