Manning brushes off retirement talk after Super Bowl glory

Santa Clara: Peyton Manning refused to be drawn on his possible retirement on Sunday after clinching an emotional second Super Bowl crown after the Denver Broncos upset the Carolina Panthers.

The 39-year-old all-time record passing leader — the oldest quarterback to star a Super Bowl — is widely expected to call it quits after struggling with form and fitness throughout this season.

But Manning said he would not make any decision in the immediate aftermath of a victory, which cements his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks the National Football League has ever seen.

“I had some good advice from my former coach Tony Dungy and he said don’t make an emotional decision,” Manning said.

“It’s an emotional night and it’s been an emotional week. I’ll take some time to reflect.

“I have a couple of priorities first — I want to go and kiss my wife and kids, I want to go and hug my family.”

Manning, who had struggled through the worst season of his 18-year NFL career, meanwhile said Denver’s stunning 24-10 upset victory reflected his teammates’ character.

“It is very special. This game was like our season has been. It tested our toughness, our resilience and our unselfishness,” added Manning, who made 13 completions from 23 attempts for 141 yards.

“It’s only fitting it turned out that way. A great bunch of teammates, a great bunch of guys to play with.”