Editor’s note: The below letter was written to Peyton Manning by Matt Geving and reposted here with permission. Geving can be found on Twitter, @MattGeving.

Dear Peyton Manning,

On behalf of Broncos Country, I want to thank you for your 4 years in Denver. I’ll always remember the touchdowns, the wins, and the records. I’ll always remember #18 coming back from 4 neck surgeries, after taking a year off, on a new team, and having incredible success. It is one of the greatest comeback stories in all of sports.

I’ll always remember “Football on your Phone” and “Fantasy Football Fantasy.” I’ll always remember your first game as a Bronco, when we beat Pittsburgh 31-19. I’ll always remember being down 24-0 against the Chargers, and coming back to win 35-24. I’ll always remember the 11 game winning streak in 2012. I’ll always remember the pranks you pulled on your teammates. I’ll always remember the 7 TDs vs Baltimore. I’ll always remember the naked bootleg vs Dallas. I’ll always remember your homecoming to Indianapolis.

I’ll always remember #18 telling the critics to “shove it where the sun don’t shine” after a victory vs. Tennessee. I’ll always remember that famous shot of #18 putting his injured foot in the tub with his helmet on while he was going through plays. I’ll always remember the words “Hurry Hurry!” and “Omaha!” Those words were put on t-shirts, put on billboards, and used as a cadence in every backyard football game. I’ll always remember #18 helping us get to 2 Super Bowls in 4 years.

In the past, Denver had the likes of Brian Griese, Danny Kannell, Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton, and Tim Tebow. Maybe that’s why I can’t stand when fellow Bronco fans try to discredit anything Peyton did in Denver. Look at who we had in the past, and be grateful. He elevated this team and this city to new heights. I’ll always remember the 55 TDs and 5,477 yards.

I’ll always remember #18 dancing in the middle of practice to Rocky Top. I’ll always remember “Chicken parm you taste so good.” I’ll always remember #18 becoming the 2nd quarterback in NFL history to beat all 32 teams. I’ll always remember 509. I’ll always remember #18 declaring “Great f–ing win” in the locker room after a victory vs Kansas City. I’ll always remember being down vs San Diego, and seeing #18 come out in the 2nd half and lead us to victory. I’ll always remember the 2015 playoff run. I’ll always remember the 12 yard run vs New England.

I’ll always remember that Peyton’s final throw in his career was a 2 point conversion to Bennie Fowler. Finally, I’ll always remember Super Bowl 50. Peyton helped us bring home our 3rd Lombardi Trophy, and he’ll always have a special place in Denver’s heart. This has been a very special year, and seeing #18 ride off into the sunset is one of the greatest fairytale endings we’ll ever see.

Thank you for all the memories, Peyton. Your impact in Indianapolis, Denver, and around the NFL is something we’ll never see again. There will never be another Peyton Manning. He’s the type of player that only comes once. He changed the game, he had an impact on every opponent he played, and he will always be a legend. I’m looking forward to see him in the Broncos Ring of Fame, and I can’t wait to see him enshrined in Canton in August, 2021.

Thank you for the memories, Peyton!

Sincerely,

A Broncos Fan