Since signing with Denver in 2012, Peyton Manning has led the Broncos to four straight AFC West titles and two Super Bowl appearances. The legacy of 18 goes way beyond his four years in Denver, but as his career comes to an end, the Sheriff has a chance to go out on top.

For years, football fans have been blessed to witness greatness on a weekly basis. Like the sun setting in the west, Manning’s excellence was the norm. Manning has not officially stated that this will be his last game as a Bronco, but many assume that Super Bowl 50 is the end.

NFL films captured an intimate moment between Bill Belichick and Manning. The audio has not been released, but Manning is reported to have told Belichick, “Hey, listen, this might be my last rodeo. So it sure has been a pleasure,” according to ESPN. Belichick’s audio was not captured, and he chose not to comment on what he said to Manning.

As if Manning had not already made his mark on NFL history, Super Bowl 50 will be the first time two No. 1 overall quarterbacks met in the big dance. Manning (39), will also be the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl in NFL history.

If this is Manning’s last game, he has already certified himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. However, a Super Bowl victory would silence the critics that judge him based on his playoff shortcomings.

In 266 career regular season games, Manning has thrown 539 touchdowns and for over 70,000 yards, both of which are NFL records. In 26 playoff starts, the Sheriff has thrown for another 40 touchdowns, and for 7,198 yards.

Statistically, Manning is impressive, but his impact on the game goes beyond analytics. Manning is a football brainiac, whose mind impacted the game as much, if not more than his arm.

As a student of the game, his dedication to his craft is remarkable. Each week, Manning would put in hours of film study, studying his opponent’s tendencies, and discovering their weaknesses.

As a leader of men, Manning’s heart and passion for the game are unprecedented. When the fourth quarter came around, his preparation made the difference. Manning has led 56 game winning drives in his career, also an NFL record.

In the game’s biggest moments, Manning would simply do what he always did. Read the defense, adjust the offense accordingly, and then crush the hopes and dreams of the opposing team, one play at a time. Manning’s methodical football and ability to pick apart the league’s best defenses has been uncanny, and something that should be appreciated by football fans everywhere.

Manning has made the NFL a better league on and off the field, and his impact goes much further than than his accolades. As a face of the NFL, he has represented himself as a man with class and integrity.

Manning represents everything that is great about football, and if this his last time around the block, he deserves to go out on top. Elway got his storybook finish, Gary Kubiak and the 15’ Broncos can give Manning his.

If this truly is the end, as someone who loves the game, I sincerely thank you Peyton Manning. Thank you for letting me witness greatness each and every week. Thank you for finishing your career in the orange and blue and everything you have done for this city. Long after you are gone, the legend of 18 will live on.